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Advehnt Guard
ehn-pc
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8: Abrupt Gearshift
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Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn Duveldt 3/11/2023 2:01 PM
Like 20 minutes after midnight Shawn passes out, unable to continue playing
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Advehnt Guard
Avengard / grobber-brentwood
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"My name is Ideology Overdrive! IO! And I am, in essence, the king of this prison! Haha-Ha!" IO. There are 3 of them.
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"Wh-why are you h-here...?" He deliriously rolls over.
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"How could I waste this opportunity to to me such a faaaamous criminal! While IO rests for now, TF conquers the fears and hearts of the world!" IO. "I'm just here because he is." The big man holds out a hand for a handshake. He looks like this.
2:35 PM
This girl suddenly moves ahead of the group and grabs onto Grobber, staring him straight in the eyes. "My name is Kyoko Kirigiri. It's nice to meet you." She speaks in an uncomfortably monotone voice.
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His eyes have dark curtains hanging under them, and he extends a pallid hand to the big man. "Wh- whm?" He shakes his head. "I'm... i'm sorry... I'm... going through..." His voice is even more shaky than usual. "Withdrawl. I'm... how did you get here?"
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"Bribery!" IO.
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Even under the shuddering, a corner of Grobber's mouth lifts. It's nice to know some things never change. "I'm... not in best of states... but do people know about... The Fungus? Here?"
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"SM has a deal where they get the daily newspaper, and they tell me everything! That's the kind of friendship we have!" IO. Kyoko stares into Grobber's eyes. "People tell me things."
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"Well that's great! Hahaha..." But he deflates a little. "I was so close... but it's over now..." He shakes his head. "I messed it up. I blew my load early. It could've been great."
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"Haha-Ha! I knew you had something up your sleeve! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! What bold firework would your ideology have created!?" IO. "Personally, when I was a criminal, my final act was spreading every piece of information about me across every police database around the world. I made sure every government knew of my existence!" Kyoko. "Yeah, that's how we got caught." The big man.
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He slumps back. "...I don't know... I was just figuring it out as I went along. It was..." He coughs a couple times. "I w-was m-making it work... It was less than a week." He straightens himself out. "I would've... I would've shown them all how I feel."
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"And how do you feeeeeel!? Show me the depths of your emotion! " IO. "I feel very normal. Maybe a little cold. The temperature in this cell is lower than in mine." Kyoko. "LC, you're overwhelming him." The big man pulls Kyoko back.
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"...A-are you a cop? What's it to you how I feel? I d-don't even know who you are."
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"A cop!? Of course not! I am Ideology Overdrive! Feared villain and mastermind of crimes which you couldn't even imagine! I'm the leader of TAP!" IO. "No, I'm the leader." Kyoko. "We don't really have a leader, they just have this argument every time. It's worse when RF is here." The big man.
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"...So Kyoko is... SM? Is that your... criminal name? H-how..." He thinks for a moment, before pausing.
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"Oh, no... SM's in high security lockup. I couldn't bring them here. They're my bestie though, you'd love them!" IO. "People call me LC." Kyoko.
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"High security lockup?" He looks around. "So we're all in... low security?" (edited)
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"They're even higher than us! The highest of the high!" IO.
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He nods. "...My life is fucking over... G-g goddammit!" He bashes at the wall. "My entire life! It all just got taken from me in... in forty-eight hours!"
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"So you wanna reclaim it, huh!? Reclaim the illustrious title of The Fungus!?" IO mimics his bashing of the wall. "I still have my life. Everything that makes me me is completely safe." Kyoko.
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"I want to... no... no... maybe some structure will be good for me," He starts to laugh. "Maybe... maybe I just need control wrenched away from me... I have a place to sleep... and food, right? Pretty much the same as before, y-yeah..." "FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" He kicks at the wall a few more times.
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"Come on! Let it out! Fight the system!" IO.
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He kicks the wall a few more times, but his strength rapidly fades. He's left panting, crumped on the floor. "...I'm all spent. I'm sorry... if people here like The Fungus, they'd probably just be disappointed with me."
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"I don't care about the fungus! I care about you! Grobber Brentwood! What drives you? That's what drives me!" IO.
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"Why me? Anyone could have done what I did... the whole thing was smoke and mirrors- I'm... I'm not a real criminal. I didn't kill anybody... I wasn't strong enough."
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"Personally, no one could have done what I did. And I have killed people." Kyoko. "Shut up! Who cares? Gahhhh! People've got no right deciding who's unique and who's not!" IO puts an arm around Grobber's neck. "Every human's got infinite potential and power! That power has a name, of course! Ideology! Doesn't matter if you're just an average run o' the mill fungus, you're my favorite Fungo from now on! And LC's my favorite Kyoko! And LM's my favorite Little Man! We're all the most special people in the world! Let your ideologies into overdrive! It's a promise!"
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"Little Man?" He gives a look to the big man. "...So... what do you want from me, Mr. Overdrive? Have you visited here just to... introduce yourself? Make a new friend?"
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Little Man nods. "I just told you! I wanna see your ideology get into overdrive! And because I know you want the same, my manipulation's already succeeded!"
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"And you two... wanna see my ideology too?"
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"I just want to make sure you remember me. A famous criminal like you entering this prison and not knowing the main character would be unacceptable. The main character is me, by the way. Life is just a story about me. That's my belief, and I intend to keep it true. It's something like an obsession. Many people find me annoying, but I don't really care. The more annoying I am, the more memorable I am. Do you find my contributions to this conversation annoying? Or do you understand that I matter for other reasons? Please try to make sure that my name is Kyoko in your response." Kyoko. "Honestly? I don't really care about you. But I fight for my friends, so if IO's gonna do something stupid I guess I'll be there." Little Man. "See? Their ideologies have already aligned! This is the start of a beautiful alliance, don't you think?" IO.
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His eyes narrow a bit. "Heh-heh... Sorry, I guess you remind me of someone else I know... I'm sure it's not your fault, my brains are still a bit rattled. I'm sure you'll have a lot of time for you to set yourself apart in my head, Kyoko." He directs his gaze to Little Man. "It's so good of you to stay loyal to your friend. My guess is that this kind of place creates quick friends in people..." He coughs. "Is there somewhere I could get some water in here?"
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"The toilet!" IO. "Saliva." Kyoko. "If you want the normal answer, just wait for breakfast tomorrow." Little man.
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He sighs and nods his head. "...I swear to god, as soon as I get out I'm going to get these pig Fucks in hot water. The way I've been treated... it's not fucking right. Even for a piece of shit like me." He shakes with anger. "...These pieces of shit haven't afforded me any reason to use my ideology. What's inside of me doesn't matter. I'm just responding to the way things are. People have it so backwards now... everybody's just trying to fit in with this bullshit society. I'm so fucking sick of it... I just want to show everybody how out of whack everything is. Everything is broken, and nobody sees it!"
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"That's right. They're not even trying to fit in to something good, like a society that worships me." Kyoko. "Break free of the world! Be yourself! Haha-Ha!" IO.
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"You all would get it. The dispossessed, criminals, the homeless... those are the only people that really understand me. You all are alright."
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"We're more than alright! We're unstoppable!" IO.
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"If we had met before I was in jail!" He pounds on his knee a couple times. "Damn!"
4:16 PM
"...I'm sorry. In jail we're separated from everyone else. I'm sorry, guys."
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"People aren't limited by walls! They're ideas! Ideas spread far and wide across the globe! Ideologies!" IO.
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He smiles a bit. "How long are you all in here for? They'll probably keep a guy like me locked up forever..."
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"Life sentences." All 3 say this at once, but IO adds. "Except for SM, they've got 3 of those."
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"So what do you do all day? Anybody in here got amps? freeze? apache? glass? mad dog? cactus?"
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"What are those? Card games?" IO.
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"Amphetamines, Cocaine, Percocet, Meth, Heroin, Peyote... they're drugs. Windows into new worlds. Self-discovery in a can."
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"I don't need to get myself from a can! It's already all up here!" IO. "None of us take drugs. Consider it a symbol of status for us big criminals." Little Man.
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Grobber lets out a large sigh as he leans his head back against the cell wall. "What the hell else is there to occupy the hours?"
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Little Man pointed at IO and Kyoko. "There's a reason they're kind of insane." "I'm the sanest person on the planet. People wish they could be like me." Kyoko.
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He closes his eyes and rubs his temples. "Do any of you have people on the outside?"
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"FB, DC, and EL, but they don't come around often anymore. Pretty sure they hate us. Ooh! We do have someone else who hates us inside the prison, if that helps." IO. (edited)
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"IO, RF, LC, SM, TAP, FB, EL... I'm sure there are more." He coughs some more. "Is this a... thing? In prison?"
4:38 PM
"FB..." He refocuses his gaze. "Fritz Bachmann?"
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"TAP is a group. The Advanced Participants. We worked together on a top secret illegal project, until I got some of us arrested. IO, LM, SM, RF, and CR. Some of us felt like sharing names, but not all. I don't know FB, EL, DC, or SM's names." Kyoko. (edited)
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"And what is the goal of this illegal project? Is it something to do with the conspiracy in Shelk?"
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"It was a project to-" Kyoko tries to explain. IO covers her mouth. "Nope! Top secret! No sharing that one!"
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"...Was it you? Were you the ones that did this to me?" His eyes start to widen.
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"Did what?" IO.
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"Put me here! Worked with Gus Amon and that Maoziwarm piece of shit! And- and Carolyn! And then Grace, and her father, and- and-" He's worked himself into a sweat.
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"We did work with some of those people. Specifically-" Kyoko. "Shut up! Shut up! Stop talking!" IO physically kicks her out of the cell. "For what it's worth, we didn't put you in here. I think some of us would've preferred if you ran around and did your thing a little longer."
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Grobber rushes at Ideology. "You! You monster! I was okay! I could've lived! Fritz could've helped me!" Moisture streams from his eyes as he angrily pleads at Ideology. "And you've just been toying with me from the shadows?"
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"Huh!? No way! I just told you, I'm a big fan!" IO.
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He slumps down. "Y-yeah... of course... you're in jail... yeah." He swallows, and falls back on his haunches. "I'm... I don't know who to trust."
4:58 PM
He looks at Ideology frantically. "I'm... I'm dying. I'm gonna die in here. Nobody is gonna know about The Fungus. It's all going wrong."
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"Trust is for gullible fools! The only thing that can unite people is belief! Ideology! That’s why ours align!" IO.
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"So... what's yours? Wh-whats your... ideology?"
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"My ideology is nothing short of ideology itself!" IO.
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Grobber leans his head back and flexes the muscles in his face. "Got it. But isnt Small Man just helping you because you're friends? Doesn't seem too... ideological."
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"Friendship is its own ideology!" IO. "The word loses all meaning if you let him talk for long enough. Also, it’s Little Man." Little Man.
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"Little man... little man... yeah. At the very least, you all seem to have each other's backs... What do you all think about Belto Shelk?"
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"I hate that guy! Down with the government!" IO.
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He nods to himself slowly. "Okay. Well get along. Great. So what's there to worry about in prison? Anything I should know? The guards seem... hands-off."
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"Uhhhhh… Stay away from CR, he'd hate you. Also be careful around SM. Everyone else is pretty boring!" IO.
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"CR, SM... got it. Do you all... hang out often?"
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"Nope!" IO.
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"Cool. So, what's on the agenda for the rest of our lives?"
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"We’ll figure it out!" IO. "For now, can we get back to sleep?" Little Man.
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"Y-yeah... I need to sleep off these jitters, h-heh..."
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"Niiiight!" IO leaves, and Little Man follows.
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"Goodnight friends. I'll see you on... the flipside." He rubs at his face and cries out in discomfort.
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((Does this mean he's going back to sleep))
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Yeah lol
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((End session))
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Advehnt Guard
Avengard / unknown
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??? wakes up tied to what feels uncomfortable like a solid wooden table. His face is covered and he can't see anything, but some voices do come from nearby. "He broke again. It's not safe to keep him down here for long, so don't be too slow." Johnner. "Oh, don't worry. I have absolutely no intention to keep you from maintaining whatever deranged coping mechanism you've begun using him for." The voice, for some inexaplicable reason, triggers deep and primal fear from ???. Instinctively, like drawn from deep within ???'s shattered and faded memories, this man's appearance springs forth in perfect clarity. The man who goes by FB.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:11 PM
"Aaagh. FB... Why am I here?" I try to speak.
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"Oh? Do you recognize me by voice alone? That is... Concerning. I had no intention to make myself a permanent feature of any of your lives." FB.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:23 PM
"I... Why are you here?"
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"To fix you, of course. It's supposed to be Marco now, right?"
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:26 PM
"What?"
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"Your name. You've taken on the name of the dead gangster, Marco Gould."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:27 PM
"What? No? I'm... uh... Ethfan Kerloe."
2:28 PM
"Why would I take someone else's name?" (edited)
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"Ethfan... Kerloe?" His words are overly cautious.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:30 PM
"Huh? Yeah. Ethfan. That's me."
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"Are you unaware that the name Ethan contains no such f?"
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:31 PM
"That's not my name?"
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"It's not?"
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:33 PM
"Why would it be? The name Ethfan has an f."
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"Hm." His footsteps can be heard pacing around ???. "I'll leave you to it." Johnner leaves.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:39 PM
"Who was that?"
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"Irrelevant. What does matter is the matter of your brain. It should be completely fried and yet you recall the name FB without it being told to you."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:41 PM
"My brain isn't fried. I'm normal and thinking. You're insane."
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"Well, whatever you choose to pretend, I am here to fix you. It's undeniable that I'll have to dig through your brain again. The question is... Would you like anaesthesia first?" You can hear him putting on gloves.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:51 PM
"What!? You're broken! You're insane! I'm not broken!" I struggle and try to somehow push away. (edited)
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This is impossible.
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:52 PM
"I don't even know what anaesthesia is!"
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"It means you won't feel pain during the surgery."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 2:53 PM
"So it's going to kill me?"
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"No. It merely soothes pain for a short while."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:00 PM
"And then what?"
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"And then you go back to normal."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:08 PM
"What's normal to you?"
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"In this case, I mean undrugged."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:14 PM
"I'm not drugged."
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"I'm going to drug you. Otherwise, you will feel all of the pain."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:14 PM
"What? Uh..."
3:15 PM
"Why!? Why are you doing this to me? You're insane and delusional and broken and fried! I'm just me! You're wrong!"
3:17 PM
"What do I have to do to make you stop this?"
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"You cannot make me stop this." He brings a sharp object(a scalpel) towards your head. "Do you want to experience all of the pain or not?"
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:22 PM
"No!"
3:23 PM
"Stop it! I'll fix myself! I'll be whatever you want!"
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"This is going to happen." He starts to cut into ???'s head. It stings like nothing ??? can remember. "Do you want anesthesia?"
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:25 PM
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" I overreact. (edited)
3:25 PM
"YESYESYESYESSTOPIT"
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"Then say the following words exactly. 'My name is Marco Gould'."
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Ethfan Kerloe 4/15/2023 3:27 PM
"MY... my... name is Marco Gould."
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??? is injected with a syringe and loses consciousness.
3:29 PM
((Give me a little bit))
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??? wakes up standing in the middle of Harriet's apartment. She's looking at her phone. (( #harriet-and-unknown ))
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Advehnt Guard
Avengard / nathan-smith
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Bob loses control of the suit and starts plummeting towards the ground.
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".......this is retribution, huh."
2:13 PM
"I.... I didn't save anyone back there, didn't I?...."
2:14 PM
"Sarah.... I treated her like garbage! I brought back past traumas! And... and after everything I've done, I get a hug?" (edited)
2:16 PM
"Jackson..... I killed him. It was me and no one else! If I didn't just run off because of orders, then none of this could have happened! Why did he hug me too?"
2:17 PM
"No... I completely understand. When your dying, your blood loses control. Without blood, you heart cant circulate, and when you lose blood, your brain gets numb."
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Bob hits the ground. At this point, the suit is scrap. Bob himself is in pain but surprisingly unhurt.
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"He.... he did that.... because he was cold and lonely. He... could have hugged a cactus! I didn't matter to them."
2:18 PM
"I... I didn't die." (edited)
2:19 PM
"No... that's right! If I just accepted my sins now, I would have gone to hell. That's what I need to do. I may not have saved anybody, but I've learned a valuable lesson!" (edited)
2:21 PM
"For Jackson, and Sarah. For everyone that I have affected in my life. I will no longer be the protagonist. I will be the side character that I should have been from the start. To help other people and make them happy." (edited)
2:21 PM
"I.... I have to see Sam!" (edited)
2:21 PM
Where is Bob currently?
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He’s next to a highway. In every other direction is just woods.
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Sentasaurus tries to fly to get away from passing cars.
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He is not on the highway itself, just next to it. Also the flying isn’t working properly right now.
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Sentasaurus attempts to hitchhike, (edited)
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A fancy car slowly comes to a stop next to Bob.
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Who's in the car?
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The windows are tinted.
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"This could easily be Jeff or Gordon, no doubt." (edited)
2:26 PM
"But, that's right! I learned now! If I don't hurt them, they won't hurt me!" (edited)
2:26 PM
Bob/Sentasaurus gets into the car. (edited)
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"I believe standing on the side of a highway is illegal." Naomi pulls down her window at the back of the car. "Where’s Sarah?"
2:27 PM
The door is currently locked.
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"She left upstate in her car. I just used the sentasaurus suit to fly." (edited)
2:29 PM
"Did you find Sam?" (edited)
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She doesn't answer the question. "I'm disappointed flying costumes don't even elicit surprise from me anymore." She unlocks the door and moves to the other side. "Get in."
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Bob gets in.
2:31 PM
"I guess I should owe an apology to you."
2:34 PM
"I.... tried to take Sam away from you."
2:36 PM
"By falling for you."
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"…What?"
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"I...i tried to convince you Sam wasn't worth it remember? But I realized that it was for my own selfish desires."
2:38 PM
"And after yelling at you about how bad of a parent you are!"
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"…" She looked at him with disgust. "I would recommend you not bring this up again."
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Bob puts his face on his hands. "It's alright. You.. you hate me anyways."
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"I don’t hate anyone. It’s against my 'policy', you could say."
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"Oh! So you do forgive me after all!"
2:45 PM
"I'm glad we could be friends again."
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"I didn’t say that."
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"I'm relieved. You think about me in a neutral sense, someone who still can be commendable for all the sins I've committed. I get it."
2:47 PM
"I'll ....I'll make sure I can make sure that whatever I do, I can get your hope for me back!"
2:48 PM
"The "Other town?" huh?" Bob switches the subject. "How did that go?"
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"It went fine. Why that town in particular?"
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"That's where you said you were going, right?"
2:52 PM
"How did you exactly search for him?"
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"I asked as many people as I could if they'd seen him, with an image attached. And it was simply one of the towns I checked. I believe at this point we've covered... Everywhere he could reasonably have made it to. And yet no one has seen him..."
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"Did you ask them if he went by Sam Kidink, or Shawn Elliot?"
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"Shawn Elliot? ...Whatever the case, I included a picture. It wouldn't have mattered what name he used."
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"But its likely that Sam could have eschewed a different identity. Like prehaps, a Sentasaurus suit?"
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"I've seen suits people wear these days. such as:" (edited)
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"I find that unlikely."
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"Prehaps, but isn't it our duty to find him, no matter what?" (edited)
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"That's true, however.." She sighed. "There are 2 likely reasons we can't find him."
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"Hm?"
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"Well the first option is that a town might be hiding him. For whatever reason, someone has decided to help him cover up the fact he is there. In such a case, it would mean even a picture wouldn't make them tell us. But even with this idea, it's basically a needle in a haystack."
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"The second?...."
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"It's... Possible that Sam Kidink is already dead."
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Terrorism. You know what you did.
3:13 PM
You told Sean, and Sean told everyone. Sam is dead.
3:13 PM
Bob looks distraught.
3:14 PM
"Hay grain in a needle stack. Unlikely to happen."
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"The mob is claiming he's already dead. That's been their story from the start."
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Its consistent... every time YOU try to be the protagonist, bad things happened. YOU killed Jackson day, didn't you?
3:16 PM
...
3:18 PM
"Sam is a good man. He does bad things, but I'm sure he's a good hearted person, just surrounded by unfortunate circumstances."
3:18 PM
"No man as pure as him deserves death."
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"I certainly wouldn't call him pure, or good hearted. I raised my son the best I could, and he could never be bothered to even try to return the favor."
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"Everything he did had a reason, I'm sure. And his ending will be happy for everyone right?"
3:22 PM
Sean did not tell anyone. Sean did NOT tell anyone.
3:23 PM
Okay, sure YOU think that Sean didn't tell anyone, because you don't think YOU acted like a crazy person in front of Sean. No one wants to talk to a crazy person and give them the honest truth. (edited)
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"You sorely overestimate him."
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"But im sure it will end with you and Sam getting a bigger understand of each other, right? There will be a happy ending for you two."
3:24 PM
Ok, perhaps Sean didn't break the camels back. Maybe Sam himself did.
3:25 PM
You pissed him off dearly! Everyone pissed him off dearly. Every time you act like your in charge of anything, people die. Sam had no one to live for. He killed himself.
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"A bigger understanding? Like what? That when he miserably failed to do anything I asked, he was secretly doing it for me? That kind of cliché only happens in movies." A bit of sadness starts to creep into her voice.
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No. Sam did not kill himself. He, he had Sophie!
3:27 PM
He can't care about other people, because no one can care about him. Like you?
3:28 PM
"Then prehaps.... it is retribution that Sam is dead."
3:29 PM
"Maybe, this was set out from the start. People do bad things, people get bad rewards."
3:29 PM
"Sam is ungrateful. And maybe, he deserves to die."
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"He's not dead." She responded largely. "That is, it's not up to me to accept if he's died. I just have to keep searching."
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"Does... searching make you happy?"
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"What kind of question is that?"
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"Is this a thing that you enjoy? Do you want to preserve this happiness?"
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"Of course not." She sighed and looked out of the window in resignation. "It's downright cruel of him to make me do this. Really, why did I end up with a son like him?"
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"I...." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8vRTuYhN1M a faint tune plays in Bob's head.
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Lets review the facts.
  • Naomi has to find Sam. It's a mother's duty, as she said to himself. But, duty could mean anything? Prehaps Naomi said "mother" and "duty" as two seperate things. Naomi is a mother, so that means it's someone elses duty for Naomi to find her.
  • Following this line of logic, It makes sense on why she is on such a wild goose chase, despite the fact that Sam despises her, and Naomi knows so. She isn't happy when she has to find Sam, which makes sense why she sent me and Sarah to find her.
  • This is easy. Naomi does not like Sam. She is not happy with running around to find him all the time. But this leads to another problem.
Does Naomi Value the truth?
  • She wasn't all too happy when I talked to her about falling in love with her.
  • But prehaps the truth can make her happy? After all, I..... if its hard to admit. To many people, its an easy line of logic for me to want to kill Sam Kidink. The light at the end of the tunnel can mean anything, like how a truth can mean anything for other people.
  • I'm an objectively bad person, so knowing that I will get retribution for killing Sam to these people would make them happy!
  • That's right! Even if I don't think I did it, people think I could have done it! And deserved it! Objectively, I'm making a bunch of more people happy!
3:45 PM
Bob finalizes he deduction and makes his move. The music stops. (edited)
3:45 PM
"Then I won't sugarcoat it. I..... I murdered Sam Kidink."
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She sighs. "That's not funny."
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"No. NO. I did it. It was me."
3:48 PM
"I didn't murder him in cold blood, but I was responsible for conspiring a murder."
3:51 PM
"I... I was angry I him. I hated him! I told them. Sean Nibel. That he was a terrorist. That has to be the only reason why they've been gone for so long......they got to him, and killed him in my place." (edited)
3:52 PM
Not enough.
3:53 PM
"I may have seen... by accident.....the results of it."
3:53 PM
"Could I see that picture?"
3:58 PM
((SHOW ME THAT PICTURE))
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"Sean Niebel is not a member of the mob." She sighed and pulled out her phone and showed a picture of Sam Kidink. "However, the fact you tried to kill him remains concerning."
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"Yes. I know it now."
4:00 PM
"Me and Sarah... we investigated the forest upstate....."
4:01 PM
Bob sees a vision of Sarah and Jackson hugging him. Jackson slowly fades away. Bob sees Sarah hugging him while Bob sits next to the corpse of Sam Kidink.
4:01 PM
"It was that, where we found the corpse of Sam Kidink."
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"I told you... That's not funny."
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"I recall gravely his last words. "Rich and Happy."
4:03 PM
"I told Sarah to dispose of the corpse, because I didn't know if it was the right thing to tell you the truth. Maybe i murdered someone else by accident. But now I know." (edited)
4:05 PM
"It's... it's not likely Sarah could even call the police anyways! She... she murdered them all!" Bob laughs maniacally.
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She grabbed Bob by the collar, and looked at him with desperate rage-filled eyes. "Stop lying. My son is alive."
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"If you're attempting to reason with my humanity, you're certainly too late."
4:13 PM
"That's what my father always said to me, before he gave me some... sense in me." (edited)
4:15 PM
"I guess that's an oxymoron, huh? But it's a sons duty to follow in the footsteps of his father."
4:16 PM
"I'll explain everything. And I guess its up to fate what you want to do with me."
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"Shut. Up. Your delusions or your life are of no concern to me. What matters right now is my son, and he is alive. He has to be."
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"Do you want more information about his death? Sure. One of the last things he asked of me is " Do you think I could… pass on with a family? Even if it’s yours?"
4:20 PM
"He didn't give a shit about you! After his life was on the LINE. Boo. hoo." (edited)
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She grabbed onto the door handle on Bob's side. "Are you asking for an unfortunate 'accident'?"
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Bob pecks Naomi on the cheek. "I'm doing what I'm doing out of love! For everyone's love!" (edited)
4:23 PM
((KILL HIM.))
4:24 PM
((He is so stupid))
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She opens the door and sticks him part of the way out, hanging over the dangerous road. However, she's still holding on to his collar. "Last chance."
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"Can you tell Sophie I did something worth remembering? Accomplished something against the Naomi… I don’t know… Just something."
4:30 PM
"That's one I remember."
4:30 PM
"Let me think of more."
4:31 PM
"I don't want it to die, I don't want... I'm not ready to leave this world without a single good memory!"
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"Good." She brings him back in the car and shuts the door. "Unfortunately, I can't kill you yet either. So if you want your good memory in the short time I can afford to spare you, you should be obedient. Then I won't have to make things worse."
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"Fair enough. It's warmer in here anyways."
4:34 PM
"Anyways. The names Nathan Smith. Well, Nathan Kerloe."
4:35 PM
"I've been sitting in isolation for years with some creeps at this place called team 9."
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"I did tell you to be obedient." She smashes his head against the seat in front, knocking him unconscious. ((End session))
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Bob Smith wakes up tied to a chair in a bedroom he doesn't recognize.
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is he in his suit?
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He is not.
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"Yes... I've done it...."
2:08 PM
"She may not like it now but in the years to come, I hope she'll become the happiest woman alive."
2:09 PM
"But... but I can't just...! Sit here and wait for myself to die! I have to make everyone I've hurt happy!"
2:10 PM
"No..... but doing things unplanned always ended up with a flat hand. If there was a god somewhere looking at me and judging me for trying to kill Hav Kerloe, I think he would have found me stupid."
2:11 PM
"What was I trying to even accomplish there?"
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"O-Oh... Are you awake?" An unfamiliar man enters the room. ((Roll))
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((15))
2:14 PM
An unfamiliar man. He must be affiliated with Naomi, so he must know to them, I'm a vicious killer. But I also don't want to paint things the wrong way if he isn't. After all, I wouldn't really want him scared of me, right?
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This man looks remarkably like Sam Kidink, despite being much older.
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Bob says this in a neutral tone. "Well, I guess it looks like I am, don't it?"
2:15 PM
What. Why does he look like Sam?
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He reaches out his hand for a handshake, before pulling it back in realization. "I'm Stan Kidink. Naomi's husband. She said... Looking at me would hopefully make you realize something? I'm... Not really sure what."
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No... NO!.... Why did I forget about fathers?.... Oh god... I've roped another innocent person into my nonsense!....
2:17 PM
Great job, Bob. Hurting innocents yet again, I see?
2:18 PM
Oh, you shut the fuck up, me.
2:18 PM
"How..... what did Sam mean to you?"
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He dodges the question, visibly uncomfortable. "You... Must've really annoyed her... I didn't think she was the kind of person to kidnap someone. Unless this isn't a kidnapping? But I don't... Really see why it wouldn't be?"
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He dodged it.
2:19 PM
HE DODGED IT!
2:19 PM
"I see..... I've enjoyed this farce for a long time. I will tell you the truth."
2:19 PM
"Sam Kidink has died by my own hand."
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"Wh- Huh?"
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"He's dead. I've killed him out of spite. Even blackmailed Sarah to shut the police down and move the body. Team nine gets quite around a lot."
2:24 PM
"He was at risk for ruining my benefactor's plans. We planned to kill his friend, Sophie as well, but I gave Jackson the honors to do so, and he failed. I don't know where he ran off to, but I don't blame him." (edited)
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"Ah- I- You..." His expression shuffles between various forms of grief and confusion.
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Bob is sweating to look at his expressions. (edited)
2:27 PM
"I... I'm not supposed to tell you this, but well, we targeted Sam because we believed that we would have had a net positive effect on your family."
2:29 PM
"That's what the "Nine" in "Team Nine" is supposed to mean. We're Ninety percent pure evil, but the final ten is laced in the our best intentions."
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"I- Excuse me." He hurries out of the room.
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Did I scan for an expression before he ran out of the room?
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Same as before.
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"I guess he won't be back for a while."
2:33 PM
"Right. Planning."
2:37 PM
First off, Naomi Kidink. So far, what I have just revealed to her was that I've murdered Sam Kidink.
2:40 PM
Oh yes. color coding. A green line is that for sure, this is a benevolent act to the character in question. A yellow line means that this is a probable benevolent act to the character in question, as not enough information was collected to confirm it would be in their benefit, or there are some negative effects kicked into the mix. A red line means that I am unsure if its benevolent, based off of minimal information.
2:42 PM
"Obviously, saying that there is somebody who murdered your child isn't going to go well with everyone, but Naomi hates Sam so it's okay. Get's a yellow." (edited)
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there we go.
3:02 PM
"I'm unsure if Ehn can reach Sam or not, so it's a red for now."
3:06 PM
"I have to make these lists of character happy in some form.
  • Carolyn Blythe
  • Ehn
  • Hav Kerloe
  • Jackson Day
  • The unknown girl
  • Sean Nibel
  • Shawn Duveldt
  • Wilford"
(edited)
3:07 PM
"I can make Ehn happy, by asking for another Sentasaurus suit to show that I care about the Ehn/PC game."
3:10 PM
"Hav Kerloe is a... special case. I will need to find a whole other seperate plan to make him happy."
3:11 PM
"Jackson Day.... how can I do that....."
3:16 PM
"Prehaps......"
3:16 PM
"Hm....."
3:16 PM
"I can give it a shot."
3:23 PM
((are you alive))
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((Yeah sorry))
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((alright just checking if you were waiting for me to finish))
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((Just waiting on someone else actually))
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((have they even started the session yet))
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((Yeah yeah dw))
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((im going to go to the gym soon for one or two hours but I will be back.))
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Sarah walks into the room.
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Bob waits for a response from Sarah.
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She doesn't say anything and just unties him. "This doesn't mean I want to ever speak to you again."
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"You shouldn't..... I'll just hurt you again."
3:50 PM
Bob runs off, clearly distraught. (edited)
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She grabs him before he can run off. "Hey, I need to explain something first."
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"What do you need..."
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"Naomi asked me to watch you. I'm not going to do that. But I can't just leave you tied to a chair. So if you don't want to hurt me, you better not do anything stupid. Appreciate this freedom I'm giving you all you want, but don't start any more trouble. The last thing I need is her forcing us into a room ever again."
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"Why, after everything, do you want to help me again?"
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"I don't want to help you. It's just... In my personal interest to not leave anyone trapped where they don't choose to be."
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Selfishness. It's selfishness. She doesn't care about you and she never did. That's fine.
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She lets him go and leaves.
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She hugged you because she was selfish. Selfish.
3:57 PM
It's alright. You hurt her, and you can't take her back. It's ok.
3:59 PM
Bob leaves.
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Stan avoids looking at him as Bob enters the rest of the house.
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Bob tries to investigate.
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((Investigate what))
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If there is anything that's interesting.
4:04 PM
Hm. Actually, Bob checks for a computer. (edited)
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There is a computer.
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Bob searches up about the Edlightenment killings, and Edwards murder motivations.
4:06 PM
Bob also does research if there's anything that's associated with Carolyn at the Edlightenment killings.
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There's some basic info. Edward's motivations were never proven but the prosecutors argued it was some kind of cultish sacrificial ritual. Carolyn was present during the murders, and is the sole survivor aside from her father.
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Bob searches more about Edlightenment and the cult members's names.
4:09 PM
"Carolyn and Edward..... seems like the next logical step for my plans to atone for my sins....I have to talk to them." (edited)
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Bob doesn't recognize any names apart from the 2 Blythes.
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Bob just wants the names of a few people, even if he can't recognize them. (edited)
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Bob sure does find a lot of names.
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Bob picks a random name to focus on.
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That sure does happen.
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"Lecot "Verl" Robbinson..." rolls off of the tongue enough. (edited)
4:18 PM
Bob searches up Edward's prison location.
4:18 PM
If he cannot, Bob tries to leave the house.
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The prison location isn't very far away. Bob can easily leave the house, he is in Shelk.
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Bob goes to the prison.
4:27 PM
((I'm at the gym so I won't be respondent for a while))
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Bob arrives at Shelk Prison. ((That's fine))
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"Could I see Edward Blythe, please?"
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"The visiting room is busy right now. Please give us a moment." A guard.
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Can Bob wait until visiting hours are open?
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Yeah.
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He'll do that
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Jeff Johnner walks out of the visiting room.
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They'll hurt me. It's fine. They have complex reasons, I'd hope. Just stay calm.
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He notices Bob. "So you're still around? Good." He leaves.
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"Not for long, I promise....." (edited)
5:56 PM
I go to Edward Blythes chambers.
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It's just a normal visiting room. Edward Blythe sits down on the other side of the glass. "Who... Are you?"
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"Lecot Robbinson." Well, his brother "Emmet Robbinson."
6:00 PM
"It's pronounced "Immoht. Dont ask why." (edited)
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"Who… Is that?"
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"Your enlightenment cult. He was part of it all. My brother.....why? Why did you make edlightenment?"
6:02 PM
"Why did you bring your own child into it all?....Don't you care about your family?.." (edited)
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He doesn’t answer.
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"I guess not. But I suppose I'm no better than you are."
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"…Carolyn sent you, didn’t she?"
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"To put it bluntly..... I am a crucial key to solving the case. The guilt of my actions has crept up to me enough. I don't know what will happen, but see you in court."
6:06 PM
"I care about Carolyn and what you did to her aplenty. But she's too far gone to send me."
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"She finally gave up on me?" He almost smiles.
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Hm. It seems that he's unattracted to the fact that Carolyn wants her freed.
6:12 PM
that's fine. I'll have to improvise.
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"Yes."
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"And you’re around her?"
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"She's got other work to deal with. Like killing people while in guise as a therapist, or something."
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"Are you… Helping her, then?"
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"Look. I poisoned edlightenment, alright? I killed everyone! They deserved it! But seeing someone locked up for actions and realizing that nothing has changed, that your daughter is a literal psycho who gives misinformation to their patrons and possibly other crimes against humanity is you know, pissing me off." (edited)
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"…"
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"Cool. I'm filing up a court case for a retrial."
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He stood up. "I killed them. All of them. Guards, take me back to my cell."
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"I'm arresting Carolyn, by the way. She tried to kill me."
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Edward Blythe didn’t say anything more as he was led out.
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He's certainly not dumb. This is going to be a lot more complex than it seems.
6:34 PM
Hm... that brings up a good question. Does Carolyn just want to see Edward again, or get justice for misinformation?
6:35 PM
Edward Blythe could be honest with his murders, and Carolyn is just spouting nonsense.
6:35 PM
Prehaps...the ideal solution is to not bring Edward to Carolyn, but bring Carolyn to edward...
6:36 PM
yes! That's right! Carolyn gets to reunite with her father in prison, and the last two cultists are finally gone for good! They won't hurt anyone anymore!
6:41 PM
No. I can't get her arrested the police are gone. Sarah killed them. It's going to be hard to find a witness because I don't deserve friends.
6:44 PM
Hm... the light at the end of the tunnel...it can mean anything, right? That means Carolyn can see her father if she sees "the light." That's why Jackson Day hugged me! He was dying, and saw the perfect version of myself.
6:47 PM
And if I kill somebody, I get to go to prison. Naomi feels validated that I had the strength to murder someone, so she'll believe I murdered Sam! And... Sarah will never get to see me again!
6:48 PM
And I get to kill a cultist. The final part of Edlightenment. Justice is finally served for a cult that ruined many people's lives.
6:48 PM
I know what I must do.
6:48 PM
Bob dashes out to buy a gun.
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Bob does not have any money on him or any form of ID.
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"I don't have an ID..... that's okay."
6:52 PM
"I'm... I'm an object....right?"
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"Every I've attempted to be a person.....I end up hurting people. I have no special gimmick. I'm just a cis white male who wallows in his masculinity. And. Unlike the other people, who have underlying complexes they want to keep to themselves, time and time again I've shown to be as shallow as a hole in the ground. But that's okay...right? Objects are the sole reason why people's lives are ruined, but it's also why people are happy the way they are. While a gun can cause somebody to die, a gun can also save lives from incoming peril....that's right. I am a gun. I have to be the gun!"
7:04 PM
Bob rushes out of prison to go to Carolyn's office.
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This man is in the lobby of Carolyn's office.
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((Dhxhdhsjxhsbshdbdbsjsjs))
7:12 PM
((He is so fucking stupid))
7:12 PM
"Who are you?"
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"Oh... Hello. My name is Matrick Patthews. I'm a therapist here. Did you come for a session?"
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"You... you're real?"
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"Yes?"
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"Do you know the Elusive sentasaurus?"
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"We've met once or twice."
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"Oh.... Well, to put it bluntly, I am him. We shook hands, right?"
7:22 PM
"I was uh, looking for a guy named Carolyn blythe. Do you know where she is?"
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"You... Really don't want to see her, trust me."
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"I don't need a therapy session. She's... my political partner. I know quite a bit of her, "quirks."
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"What?"
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"I'm not the type of guy for therapy, anyways. Objects don't feel emotions."
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"…Oh. I understand. You’re just insane… The whole Sentasaurus thing, knowing about Carolyn… You’re actually just mentally ill, aren’t you? …But that’s just a theory."
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"Where is carolyn?"
7:30 PM
"There's also no way I'm mentally ill. Objects don't feel emotions."
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"She- Why don’t I… Give you a session? If you let me talk these issues out with you, I’ll tell you where she is."
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"Alrighty then. To make people happy."
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"Just… Come into my office." He heads into a door with his name.
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Bob does this
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He sits down at his desk and gestures to the couch. "Make yourself comfortable."
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Bob follows Matrick's orders.
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"You said you’re an object, right? What do you mean by that exactly?"
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"I have no identity. My life and my family has been a lie. Everytime I try to find hope that I can find my personhood, I hurt more and more people."
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"Well, what do you want your personhood to be?"
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"I don't know! No one tells me what it should be. All that it is is wrong."
7:38 PM
"Am I the protagonist of the story? No! I just bring up an abuse victims past traumas to prove a point! Am I a funny silly streamer that entertains people? No! I make people mad from team nine and to the outsiders looking at me." (edited)
7:39 PM
"You clearly despise the sentasaurus with all your heart. Which is why you called me mentally ill."
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"My theory is… Identity isn’t something you can describe in such short terms. And it’s not something other people give to you. It’s… Something looser. What do you like to do in your spare time?"
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"Looking for things to do in my spare time."
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"You don’t have any hobbies? Not even before this whole… Identity crisis. You were a YouTuber. You ran around in a goofy costume. Didn’t you find fun in that?"
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"Yes, but. You can find something fun in anything but still have it be bad. Look at Carolyn, she's never been sad and she's a cultist."
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"She's a- Never mind. This is about you. Don't worry about anyone else for a moment and just think about what makes you happy. Can you do that?"
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Bob's mind draws a blank.
7:46 PM
"I guess.... getting rid of the things I hate. Right? That should make me happy if you add reverse engineering into it."
7:47 PM
"Well... prehaps an actual family. A family... its a proof of an existence that's pure, and not tainted by anything else." (edited)
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"Humans are more than just... Destructive creatures. We build our own fun. Tell me about this family of yours."
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"Prehaps there was two people, named Jackson and Martha Smith. They were cool. They were normal. And because of that, I got to live a nice normal life." (edited)
7:53 PM
"It was boring, mundane even. But you know what, that was ok. Because nothing could have changed the course to make it better, nothing could have changed the course to make it worse."
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"What do you mean perhaps there was?"
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((I gotta go to tennis soon so i wont be active for an hour until I come back))
8:03 PM
"I don't know if those people were real."
8:04 PM
"A man known as jackson day told me that the money that I believed I was getting from those families, came from him."
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"Do you want them to be real?"
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"Yes!"
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"Then make them real! Those were your parents, regardless of what the real reality is. In the absence of truth, theories are everything. And if you remember them being real… What makes them less real than anything else. The past… Really only exists in our memories. When you leave this room, whatever you theorize my thought process was will be as real as any other theory. That’s the beauty of uncertainty."
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"Hm. I see. Thank you."
8:12 PM
"But how do I make these parents real?"
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"You don't need to make them real... I'm saying they're already real. If you remember that they are."
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"I..... interesting."
8:14 PM
"I'll... I'll take this in mind."
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"You said you like having a family. Why? What part of it?" He's getting very excited.
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"The fact that I get to live a normal life."
8:16 PM
"There's a part of me, that finally gets to be normal. To be sinless."
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"Are you religious?"
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"No?"
8:17 PM
"But isn't that the go to for determining yourself as good and evil? With religion?"
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"Well... Religions are all different interpretations of good and evil. But there's no universally decided moral code. Some actions can be good or bad depending on the person deciding. Endless philosophers-which were much more educated than religious people-have tried and failed to figure out any kind of universal code of morality."
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"Interesting. What is your point?"
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"Well... What are these sins you think you have?"
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"Team Nine."
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"That's... I don't know how that's an answer."
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"To interact with people, and to have it just be normal. There no weird conflict and I'm not pushed around to do things I don't want to."
8:26 PM
"But when I interact with people, I have to believe that it's normal, because all the other people I interacted with decidedly, well, werent."
8:29 PM
((I'm at tennis now. I'll will have to be despondent for a while))
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"What does normal even mean? That's... Another very theoretical idea."
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"Little conflict, Little exciting. All safe."
8:59 PM
"You know what? I see your thesis. You don't definitively answer my answers, only question what they mean. And seeing that, I understand that my life should be lived living as if it's a question. Where it doesn't lie at a simple yes or no, but at the "or"."
8:59 PM
"The beauty of uncertainty."
9:00 PM
"SO then, I ask you the question: where is Carolyn blythe?"
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"She hasn't arrived yet. She'll be here soon. But really... You should run away..."
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"But is Carolyn blythe going to kill me?"
9:01 PM
"I will live on that question."
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"I'm not sure... But she apparently killed someone named Gus Amon. And maybe a lot more?"
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"I knew it."
9:07 PM
"BUT how do we know the evidence that surrounds such a tale?"
9:08 PM
"Also isn't a little contradictory to give a simple answer of you are all about being the question?"
9:08 PM
"Sounds like you're being dishonest with yourself... hmmm...."
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"Huh?"
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"Why do you warn me to leave? Shouldn't I decide if I believe what I want to believe?"
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"Well... It... That was about personal things. You should still take your own safety over that... It's..."
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"See? You try and give me something to work with to be a better person, and you just. Lie?"
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"That's... I'm the therapist here... Not you."
9:15 PM
Bob can hear the front door of the office open.
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Bob investigates.
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((By like. Going to that room?))
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Okay. Bob waits.
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((I'm so confused. What is Bob doing that's what I'm asking))
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Bob was meant to investigate if he could see anything in the door crack (the door is opening). (edited)
9:18 PM
Though if he can't see anything, bob waits.
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((No I mean. You are in the office(room) of these therapy offices. The front door of this office refers to the therapy offices. Someone is coming into this floor of the building. Bob would need to go into the entrance room to see what's going on))
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Oooooohhhhhhhh.
9:20 PM
Well, then Bob peers and whats going on.
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Carolyn Blythe and Ethfan Kerloe have both just walked into the office.
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YES
9:20 PM
Okay.
9:21 PM
Am I in the office?
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((You are in Matrick's office. These 2 are in the entrance))
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I say "Carolyn!"
9:22 PM
Do they hear it?
9:26 PM
Does Carolyn have big elephants ears enough to process the sound
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Ethfan panics and starts looking around. Carolyn walks towards you.
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I JUMP AND GO FOR CAROLYN'S FUCKING NECK
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(( #bob-and-carolyn and also roll))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / harriet-kadin
Avatar
Harriet wakes up in her bed the next morning. Her cat is sitting on top of her face.
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:15 PM
"Gfhdghdgdhsdj," says Harriet.
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The cat gets off and hurries towards it's bowl, playing with it aggressively.
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:26 PM
Harriet groans and rubs her forehead. Her skin feels like clay when she touches it - cool, dry. Many things are clear to her now. That terrible emptiness.
3:26 PM
This can never happen again.
3:26 PM
Harriet fumbles for her phone.
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She has a message from Sarah.
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:31 PM
Harriet checks the message.
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'Hey. Back in town. Had a rough day yesterday, wanna hang out?'
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:37 PM
Harriet feels a surge of relief. Finally. "Yeah of course!!!!!", she types, before frowning and amending it to "Yeah of course!". Can't seem too needy.
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'Alright. Meet me at my apartment soon'
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:41 PM
Harriet checks to make sure she doesn't have any work-related obligations.
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She does have a shift today, but this would involve seeing Carl again.
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:46 PM
Harriet stares emptily at her hands. The thought of seeing Carl again - that useless fucking glaze to his eyes, the pleading, the abandonment issues that're entirely his fault - makes her want to shank herself in the neck. She exhales, and the sound comes out in a rattle.
3:46 PM
She texts Sarah back. "For sure. In what, 20 min?"
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'Yeah. Sounds good.'
3:47 PM
Corpse Husband appears in the room suddenly, and begins moving on it's own. (( #harriet-and-unknown ))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / harriet-and-unknown
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 3:49 PM
"Huh...?"
3:49 PM
I try to recall why I'm here. (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:51 PM
Harriet yelps and tries not to fall off her bed.
3:51 PM
"You again!!!"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 3:53 PM
"Hey! What are you doing!?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:53 PM
"What are you doing!! Listen, it was helpful the first too times, but I kind of draw the line at you showing up in my room..!"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 3:54 PM
I'm confused. "Why?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 3:55 PM
"Uh... it's a private space?"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 3:56 PM
"Well...... I don't care."
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:01 PM
"Oh, suck my dick from the back. Listen, can you just tell me who you are? Like, really? This nickname is getting fucking stupid."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:01 PM
I sit down.
4:02 PM
I think. "I'm... Marco Gould." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:07 PM
Harriet squints. "Do I... know you? I don't know if I've heard that name before..." (edited)
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:08 PM
"What? Don't you? I thought you did."
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:13 PM
"I have a famously bad memory. You might have said it before, but... I meant in a greater social context, I guess? Like, for example, why are you a ghost, and also in my house?"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:14 PM
"A ghost?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:18 PM
"Well, you sure seem... I dunno, ghostlike."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:18 PM
"How?"
4:18 PM
"I'm normal."
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:24 PM
"Well, you sure seem to have a talent for going through walls for someone completely normal."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:25 PM
"When did I do that?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:28 PM
"I dunno, the other day? Here, try it now."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:30 PM
"Going through a wall?"
4:30 PM
"What if you try to kill me?" (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:33 PM
"Why on earth would I do that?"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:34 PM
"I don't know."
4:34 PM
I put a hand up to a wall and try to push it through. (edited)
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???'s hand goes through a wall.
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:35 PM
"What?"
4:35 PM
I pull it back and stare at the hand. "I didn't expect that." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:39 PM
"Are you forgetting all that shit you've done so far?"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:54 PM
"That's different!"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 4:57 PM
"How??? On earth??? is it different???"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 4:57 PM
"I understood what I did before." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 5:00 PM
"So.. you don't know. Anything."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 5:00 PM
"I know everything."
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It is approaching 20 minutes since Harriet said the relevant thing.
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 5:04 PM
"Oh shit! Sorry, I've got to leave. I know this probably has crazy metaphysical implications, but uh... can we pick this up later?"
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 5:05 PM
"Where are you going?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 5:08 PM
"To see a friend."
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 5:15 PM
"I'll come with you."
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Harriet Kadin 4/15/2023 5:16 PM
((gotta stop here bc im going out with a friend tonight))
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Marco Gould 4/15/2023 5:16 PM
((have fun!!))
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((Hi))
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:01 PM
((hi))
2:06 PM
"You'll.. come with me?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:10 PM
"Yes."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:11 PM
((hey jsyk the weather outside is real bad and my lights just flickered so if i stop responding it’s because the power went out))
2:12 PM
((can my internet pls work…))
2:18 PM
"Can other people, like... see you?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:22 PM
"What? I don't know?"
2:22 PM
"Yes?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:22 PM
"Okay, well, I'm not taking you if other people can see you. Can we test it?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:22 PM
"How?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:23 PM
"I dunno, go outside and try talking to someone."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:23 PM
"No. You'll go away without me." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:24 PM
"I won't! I'll just be watching from a distance."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:24 PM
I sigh. "I'm going with you no matter what, anyway."
2:25 PM
"Therefore, that's pointless." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:27 PM
"Why?? On earth would you want to be here?? I have the least interesting life ever."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:28 PM
"I have nothing better to do...?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:31 PM
"Okay, but I don't want you around."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:32 PM
"I don't care."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:33 PM
"God, does anyone tolerate your existence other than me? I can't imagine they do."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:34 PM
"Take a look at my skin and you'll find the answer."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:35 PM
Harriet frowns, and glances at Marco's skin for the first time.
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((I have literally no idea what pichuis is trying to say))
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:38 PM
"...I'm clearly alive, so the answer is yes." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:40 PM
"No, I mean, do you have any, like, real friends? People who don't see you as a waste of time? Someone who isn't constantly thinking that being with you is such a drain on their mental energy that they just wanna kill themselves? Because I dunno. You're kind of giving off those vibes."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:41 PM
"I have hundreds of 'real friends'." (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:46 PM
"Are you sure they don't secretly want to kill themselves?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:47 PM
"Who would want to kill themselves? That's ridiculous."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:49 PM
"Uh, lots of people?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:50 PM
"They must be broken."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:51 PM
"That's a very insensitive way to talk about other human beings..."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:52 PM
"As opposed to how you were talking about me?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:54 PM
"That's!... different."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 2:55 PM
"How?" I seem puzzled.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 2:59 PM
"Okay, I'm.. speaking in the broad sense, okay? Broadly, it's not okay to be mean to depressed people, because.. it's not very socially viable, and in the kind of political future I'm looking for, the goal is to... not treat people, like that. But in an in individual, non-epidemic sense, there are certain people that make themselves deserving of treatment. The word abuse makes it sound bad... it's not like that. It's just that, you've done your own grave, with the way you behave, and there's no going back after a certain point, so it's okay for me to treat you as utterly divorced from conventional leftist morality. Okay?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:00 PM
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:00 PM
"You don't have to get it, it's pretty complicated theory. My point is that there's nothing internally inconsistent about what I'm saying."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:01 PM
"Nonsensical is worse than inconsistent."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:02 PM
"It's not my fault if you didn't understand!"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:04 PM
"It is."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:04 PM
"It's not my responsibility to make you understand!! That's up to you!!"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:05 PM
"Why? You're the person who keeps arguing."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:06 PM
"I'm only arguing because you keep pushing the conversation forwards by saying stupid things."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
"Not true."
3:08 PM
"Why don't we just leave?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:10 PM
"Fine," says Harriet grumpily, and wheels herself to her car.
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:11 PM
I follow her.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:16 PM
Harriet slams the door shut with more force than is necessary, and tells Siri to take her to Sarah's apartment. It spits out the directions, and Harriet begins driving, bulwarked by a strange mix of fear and excitement.
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They arrive in front of Sarah’s apartment building.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:27 PM
Harriet gestures to the elevator. "Get in."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:29 PM
I leave the car and get in.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:32 PM
Harriet takes the elevator up to Sarah's room, shaking with anticipation all the while. She knocks on the door.
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No response.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:37 PM
Harriet frowns. She tries ringing the doorbell.
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The elevator goes down and up again. Sarah exits it. "Sorry, something came up. I’m here now."
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:40 PM
"Who are you?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:41 PM
Harriet elbows him in a way she hopes is subtle. "Sarah! It's great to see you."
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Sarah doesn’t react to ???. She smiles slightly at Harriet. "…Yeah. Same." She opens the door.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:45 PM
Harriet exhales, not realizing how worried she was about ??? interfering until this moment. She wheels herself in.
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She closes the door behind herself and Harriet. "So… How are you?" Her tone is incredibly uncomfortable.
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:47 PM
"Ugh." I try to open the door.
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??? opens the door.
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:47 PM
I walk in, close it, and look for a space to sit down.
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There’s a couch.
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 3:48 PM
I sit on the couch.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:49 PM
"I'm doing alright," Harriet says, almost not lying. The second she saw Sarah, a sort of joy had flooded her - a freedom from the awful, awful events from earlier. Surely everything would be alright now, right? No more dark skies. "How are you?"
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"…I'm fine." Her tone makes this an obvious lie.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:51 PM
Harriet frowns. "Did something.. happen? I can help.. probably."
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"Nothing happened, okay!" She snapped. "We’re just talking right now. About normal everyday things!"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:53 PM
"Alright!" Harriet says, eyes wide. "Normal things. Right. But if.. something did happen. I could be helpful. As someone to.. talk to about it. But nothing happened!!! So it doesn't matter!!!!!!! What have you been up to today!!!??!!!"
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"Nothing I want to discuss. What about you?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 3:56 PM
"Uh.. nothing I want to discuss, either. Ha... ha."
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"…"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:00 PM
"..."
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"…So much for normal. Fuck." She groans.
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:02 PM
"Um.. we could still talk about the weather, if you'd like?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 4:02 PM
I stare at Sarah.
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"The weather? What about it? Oh, it’s sunny. End of conversation."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:07 PM
"Er... yes."
4:07 PM
Harriet buries her face in her hands.
4:07 PM
"God, I'm bad at this."
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"Somehow, you’re just about the only person left who I can pretend to put up with."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:09 PM
"Oh.. pretend?"
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"Hm? Pretend what?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:18 PM
"Pretend.. to put up with."
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"Wait- Did I say-?"
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Marco Gould 4/22/2023 4:24 PM
"Yes."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:25 PM
"Yes."
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"…Ignore that."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:28 PM
"Ah.. that's alright. I'll ignore it! I'll ignore anything. I'm good at that..."
4:28 PM
"So.. are there people in your life you can't deal with, right now?"
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"I still have to deal with that annoying YouTuber. He’s started fake confessing to murders now, or something like that."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:36 PM
"What was he called again?"
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"The Elusive Sentasaurus."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:39 PM
"Sounds like a frustrating thing to have to deal with, I'm sorry. He's... fake confessing to murders? What?"
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"Sam Kidink. My boss's son. Honestly, at this po- Wait, why am I even venting to you? Stop tricking me."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:42 PM
"I'm not trying to trick you! I'm just trying to be helpful."
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"Why would you do that? It’s not like I’m paying you. I don’t need a shrink."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:50 PM
"Uh.. because I like to be helpful to other people? Because it helps me remember that I.. exist?"
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"Trust me, being helpful to other people does nothing. It only makes them resent you."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:53 PM
"Ah.. but it's what I'm supposed to do. And you don't resent me.. right?"
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"I’m not going to answer that."
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 4:57 PM
"Okay. I understand."
4:59 PM
"I'm just saying... I don't think helping other people makes them resent you. I think helping other people validates a certain part of you that's desperate for approval. It reminds you why you're alive, and what your job is, and who benefits from being here. So I promise, I'll be kind about it. If you decide to show weakness. (edited)
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"…What?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/22/2023 5:00 PM
((leaving now, got to do work.. unfortunately))
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:07 PM
“Don’t worry about it.”
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"What exactly… Do you think I’m like?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:14 PM
“Um.. I don’t know. I don’t know you that well. But you seem like a good person... like you’re trying to do your best to be a good person no matter what, is that right?”
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"…Yeah." Her expression doesn’t seem to agree. "That’s right."
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:19 PM
“How do.. you feel about the kind of person you are?”
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She looks at Harriet silently for a moment. "That’s kind of a personal question."
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Marco Gould 4/29/2023 2:21 PM
Looking very confused by their interaction. I stand up and look around for some food or drinks. (edited)
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There’s a kitchen.
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:25 PM
“Sorry,” Harriet says quickly. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
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Marco Gould 4/29/2023 2:25 PM
I open the fridge and take something that looks appetising. (edited)
2:26 PM
Then I sit down and start eating. (edited)
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She makes a disgusted expression and slowly opens her mouth. "Harriet… You want to be my friend, ri-?" She notices ??? and looks incredibly confused. "Am I… Seeing things?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:31 PM
Oh shit.
2:31 PM
“Uh........ I. Don’t know what that is?”
2:32 PM
Great cover, Harriet.
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"But… I’m not imagining that, right? Food is just flying now?" When ??? ingests food it just falls through them and onto the floor.
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Marco Gould 4/29/2023 2:33 PM
"What? What the hell? Ew."
2:34 PM
I try to feel my own mouth.
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:37 PM
“I... don’t think you’re imagining it. But it’s.. probably not a big deal?? Not something to, uh. Worry about,”
2:37 PM
Harriet shoots Marco a look that appears to be communicating something along the lines of stop that right now you shiteating asshole
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???'s mouth obviously exists and is normal. "…This is him again, isn’t it?" She gets up.
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Marco Gould 4/29/2023 2:40 PM
"Ugh. I'm hungry."
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:42 PM
“...Him?”
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"Bob, get out of here. I told you to leave me alone!"
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:49 PM
“Bob?????”
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"Smith! The YouTuber!"
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 2:59 PM
“Why... would Bob Smith the YouTuber be here?”
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"Because he keeps harassing me! And he’s involved in some kind of magic thing."
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 3:01 PM
“Magic is real??????”
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"Something like that. At the very least it can make things fly, and that should include food."
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 3:07 PM
“Uh... this is a lot to process.”
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"Yeah."
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 3:12 PM
“So, uh... why would Bob Smith be using his magic powers to levitate a bunch of food around your house?”
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"I don't know!"
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Marco Gould 4/29/2023 3:15 PM
"What's a YouTuber?"
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 3:17 PM
Harriet ignores him.
3:17 PM
“Well, this.. certainly seems troubling. So you’re... really just telling me magic is real? Just like that? Shouldn’t there be some sociopolitical implications to this?”
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"That wasn't really my first thought." She said bitterly.
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Harriet Kadin 4/29/2023 3:19 PM
“No, I just mean... the far-reaching effects this should have on the rest of the world should be insane. I mean, this kind of thing should do.. something to the currently existing power structures at hand, right? That’s what magic is always used for in stories.”
3:21 PM
((cutting it short here, see u))
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"I'm not the kind of person who cares about politics. Honestly, it's kind of weird you are." ((Alright see ya))
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"I'm not the kind of person who cares about politics. Honestly, it's kind of weird you are."
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:12 PM
“I... don’t think it’s particularly weird. I’ve always cared about politics.”
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"Why? It’s not like it matters."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 2:15 PM
I sigh. "It's like you're both speaking a different language."
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:19 PM
“I mean... it matters to me. This is the future we’re talking about, right?”
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"What, are you going to run for president or something? Nothing's even going to pretend to change over one vote. You gotta think more small scale."
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:24 PM
Harriet bristles. “I mean... that might be true, but I want to believe that the things I’m doing have some kind of impact... that someone can hear me. That anyone’s listening to me...”
2:24 PM
On impulse, Harriet slams her hand into her forehead. The pain is blinding.
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"What… Was that?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:32 PM
“Ah... ignore that. I’m just being a little bitch.”
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"…?" She backs away awkwardly. "I… Don’t think I can keep doing this."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 2:35 PM
I stare between them.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:39 PM
“Keep doing what?”
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"This! I don’t do… Friends. You just… I dunno… You made me feel… Better about myself by comparison. It’s not often I find someone who seems to suck up to me so much, and you… Well, I thought I’d let you do your thing I guess. But you’re just… So weird. I can’t follow what you’re doing at all. That… That was my breaking point. Whatever the hell I was using you for, it’s not worth it if you’re gonna be such a freak."
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:46 PM
Harriet freezes. “Oh.”
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"It’s… I’m not the bad guy here, okay?" She does not elaborate on what that means, but it’s clear from her voice that she feels guilty.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 2:52 PM
“No. Sure.” Harriet says thickly. “Not the bad guy. But I can still be... useful to you. I can stop being weird. I promise. I’ll glue my own tongue to the roof of my mouth so I can’t speak anymore, if you want.”
2:52 PM
What the actual fuck is she saying? This isn’t how she feels. This is insane.
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"That’s the weird part! Why are you saying… That!? Normal people don’t talk like that."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 2:56 PM
"And normal people do talk like you!?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:03 PM
"It's not... I mean, isn't the fact that I'm not normal good enough reason to use me? I'm.. more easily manipulated. I'm vulnerable. I'm desperate for affection.. isn't that something you want, if you're trying to get away with something?"
3:04 PM
Harriet folds herself in half. "God, I'm sorry, please ignore these things I'm saying... I don't think like this, I promise..." Harriet trails off, slapping her hand over her mouth, suddenly furious, suddenly full of bright, awful energy. She bites her hand, and comes away bleeding.
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"So you… Want me to use you?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:06 PM
"In whatever way you see fit," Harriet says, before immediately saying "I don't mean that."
3:06 PM
She bites herself again.
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She blinks. "…What?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:13 PM
"Please don't pay attention to anything I'm saying right now, I'm... I'm sorry."
3:14 PM
Harriet sends a pleading look at Marco. She doesn't know what she's even looking for, just... some way out of... this. All this. The pain of being seen.
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"How do you expect anyone to get along with you when you react like that?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:16 PM
I stare back at Harriet. "What are you doing?"
3:17 PM
"Ugh." I stand directly between Harriet and Sarah. "Stop ignoring me!" (edited)
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She still doesn’t notice you.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:17 PM
I slap Sarah.
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"Ow!" She looks around. "What the hell?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:29 PM
"Oh my god." Harriet mutters.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:29 PM
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
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"Did you just slap me somehow?" Sarah walks right through ??? like a ghost.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:33 PM
"I didn't!!" Harriet yelped. "There's!! A Guy!!"
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"Right, Bob." She sighs. "Of course he’s still pissed at me."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:35 PM
"My name is NOT Bob!"
3:35 PM
"Say my name isn't Bob!"
3:35 PM
I seethe.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:38 PM
Harriet ignores him.
3:38 PM
"Listen, I'm... sorry. About all of this."
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"…" she doesn’t answer, and her phone rings. "I have to take this."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:41 PM
I walk in front of Harriet and glare at her. "Listen to me!!"
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She still doesn’t react, and picks up the phone.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:45 PM
"Why would you want the person you just slapped in the face to acknowledge you!!" Harriet whisper-yells at him.
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Sarah's expression becomes some mix of panic and rage. "I have to go." She runs out quickly.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:46 PM
"Because they don't know who I am!"
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:50 PM
Harriet immediately rolls herself out the door in an attempt to follow her.
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((Channel split))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / unknown
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:51 PM
I follow after them.
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??? suddenly wakes up in Marco Gould’s room. Their memory hasn’t reset.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 3:54 PM
"..."
3:57 PM
"What the hell? Why am I here now? Hello?"
3:57 PM
I get up, open the door and look out.
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The usual drunk girl is drinking at the table.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:00 PM
I walk up to her. "When did I get here?"
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"Huh? Like, this morning."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:03 PM
"...How?"
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"Whuh?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:04 PM
"What? I'm saying... how did I get here?"
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"Johnner carried you in, I dunno…"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:08 PM
"Was I not awake?"
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She shrugged. "I didn’t really give a shit."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:10 PM
"What?"
4:10 PM
I get myself a drink and sit down.
4:11 PM
And start drinking.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:25 PM
"...What are you doing?"
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"Why’d you keep harassing me? I preferred the silent Marco."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:28 PM
"Because I'm bored?"
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"Go be bored somewhere else, asshole. I wanna drown in this shit, not hear a peep from reality."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:31 PM
I ignore her and just drink.
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She keeps drinking.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:36 PM
"..."
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Jeff Johnner walks in.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:39 PM
I look up at them. "Johnner?"
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He suddenly hugs ??? tightly.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:42 PM
"..."
4:43 PM
I just sit there for a moment. "What are you doing?"
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He lets go, and just puts out his cigarette. "I was worried for a minute." (edited)
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:49 PM
"..."
4:49 PM
"How did I get back here?"
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"…What do you remember?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:50 PM
"Uh..."
4:54 PM
I try to remember what happened over the last few days.
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The only clear memory is what happened with Harriet right before.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:55 PM
"Everything?"
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"I meant what’s the last thing you remember? Where were you?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:57 PM
"I was in a room with these two women, and only one of them could see or hear me, and almost everything they said was gibberish." (edited)
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He sighs in relief. "Sounds like you had a weird dream."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:58 PM
"Does it?"
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"Does that really sound like something that could happen in real life?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 4:59 PM
"...Not really."
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"Exactly."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:04 PM
I nod.
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"Then all’s well, then."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:07 PM
"So... what now?"
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"Now… We wait. Not sure what the boss wants."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:14 PM
I sigh and lean on the table.
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"We could talk?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:19 PM
"Hello."
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"Hello."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:30 PM
"..."
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He sighed. "I went to visit someone this morning."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:34 PM
"Who?" (edited)
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"The Fungus."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:42 PM
"What did they do?"
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"Not much. It was disappointing, honestly. I prefer my criminals with more charm."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:47 PM
"Ah."
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"You terrorize the city and set alarms for us, and you’re just… I dunno. If you ask me, I’d say I got a lot more staying power than him."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:51 PM
"It sounds like fun. What crime have you been doing?"
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"What’s that supposed to mean?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:53 PM
"Huh? What I... said?"
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"You say it like you’re not a criminal."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:56 PM
"How so?"
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"We’re gangsters. Both of us. It’s what we do."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:58 PM
"I know."
5:58 PM
I'm confused.
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"…Never mind, then. I misread you, I guess."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 5:59 PM
"..."
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"…What do you think about that?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:04 PM
"I find it bizarre."
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"How so?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:10 PM
"I don't know how you 'misread' me, or what would have led you to do so."
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"No, I meant… Being a criminal. Why’d you do it?" Johnner. "What kind of question is that? You already-" Drunk girl. Johnner shushes her.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:13 PM
"Uh... Because... I want to?"
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"Why do you want to?" Johnner. (edited)
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:14 PM
"It's fun."
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"Fun?" Johnner. (edited)
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:15 PM
"Yeah."
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"What’s fun about it?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:24 PM
"I... uh..."
6:24 PM
"It just is?"
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"Most of us have a reason. A specific one. Criminals play the role of the villain. Doesn’t matter if we believe we’re right. To the public, we’re bogeymen they all pray to be stopped. I keep going because I really do believe. EL keeps going because she’s a nutcase. That kind of thing." Johnner. "Yeah… I’m a villain. My brain was just wired for evil. Every day I live to make someone else’s day worse." The drunk girl, who is presumably EL.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:43 PM
"Right." I nod, but don't elaborate. (edited)
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"I’m asking what that reason is for you."
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 6:46 PM
"The same?"
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"As who?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 7:40 PM
"EL?"
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"So you’re just.. Evil?" He sighed in disappointment.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 7:43 PM
"Why does it matter?"
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"Just… Thinking about things." Johnner leaned back in his chair. "This hasn’t been the best week for me." "It’s just Monday." EL. "You know what I mean." Johnner groaned.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 7:55 PM
"I don't."
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"The past 7 days, not defined by specific week structure." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 7:58 PM
I nod.
8:01 PM
"What has the best week been for you?"
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"I've lost people. Failed missions that should've been easy. Usually I'd do fine, but the problems keep sta-" Johnner. EL interrupts him. "Shut up! Shut up! No one cares! Not a single person on earth wants to hear you whine incessantly! You're supposed to be the leader of a band of merciless villains and you can't stop acting like a baby! Can't you do us the favor of playing the cackling villain here too? If you wanna cry so bad do it in private or stuff it down like an adult!"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:04 PM
I stare at EL. "Why do you care so much? I don't 'want' to hear it, but I don't want to hear this either." (edited)
8:04 PM
"It's more comfortable than sitting in silence..."
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"Because I'm fucking tired of the whining! It's just nothing but pathetic babbling for the past week! Have you forgotten who we are, Johnner!? We're the bad guys. Bad! I don't give a shit if you wanna be some weirdo zealot, but we're not built for the emotional 'here are my feelings feelings' talk... We make the people cry, there's no point shedding our own tears! Let me live out this fantasy in peace!" EL. Johnner just lit up a cigarette silently.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:10 PM
I get up, grab another drink to drink, and sit down again to drink.
8:11 PM
"We're not living out much of anything right now."
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"Yeah! So let me drink in peace instead of this shit!" EL. "Christ, you're loud when you wanna be." Johnner finally responded. "Did I strike a nerve? I'll keep it in mind." He chuckled. She just chugged another drink instead of responding.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:19 PM
"Am I free to sleep?" (edited)
8:20 PM
"...Can we go out and rob a bank, or something like that?" (edited)
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"We're on call. My guess is we'll probably need to grab Hav again, and maybe Bob too." Johnner. (edited)
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:29 PM
"I prefer my idea."
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"To each their own." Johnner. Gordon walked in and spotted ???. "He's back...?"
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:31 PM
I wave at Gordon.
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"Sir, he broke down just last night after 2 days of being here! You can't-" Gordon. "Relax, I'll watch him this time. You'll be with EL." Johnner. "That's... Almost worse." Gordon.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:35 PM
"What are you talking about?"
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"Don't worry about it." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:38 PM
"How long has this guy been here for?"
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"Longer than you." Gordon. "No fighting." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 5/6/2023 8:44 PM
"What's his problem?"
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"You." Gordon. ((End session))
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((Saturday))
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"You." Gordon.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 4:03 PM
"...What?"
4:04 PM
"I am the opposite of a problem."
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"So you’re a solution? To what?" Gordon. Johnner's phone rings so he steps out of the room.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 4:22 PM
"I'm a solution to this group." (edited)
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"What does that mean?"
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 4:45 PM
"I solve problems they have. To them, I'm a broad solution."
4:45 PM
"What's so hard to understand?"
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"You’re a liability."
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 4:58 PM
"How?"
4:59 PM
I narrow my eyes while looking at him. "You seem like more of a liar-bility." (edited)
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He just sighs.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:26 PM
"What?"
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Johnner walks back in. "Come on, Marco. We've got a new mission."
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:46 PM
I turn to Johnner. "Oooh! What is it?" (edited)
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"We're going to get Bob Smith. Gordon and EL, you're getting Hav."
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:49 PM
"Bob Smith the YouTuber?"
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"Yeah, him. Come on." He walks out of the room.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:50 PM
I follow the boss eagerly.
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He leaves the mall.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:51 PM
I continue following without a word.
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Johnner keeps watching until Bob Smith comes into sight. Next to Bob is this woman. Johnner yells out. "Bob Smith! There you are!"
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 5:56 PM
I run up to Bob Smith and wave. "Come with us." (edited)
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-blythe
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Carolyn wakes up the next morning.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:14 PM
Carolyn scans the room for Ethfan.
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He's asleep on a chair.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:18 PM
"Good, he didn't run off. It's easier to deal with him if I'm aware of his location." Carolyn gets up from her bed, and begins her usual morning routine, taking a shower to prepare for the day.
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After her shower, Carolyn finds Ethfan awake, looking through his phone.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:22 PM
She greets him with a smile "Good morning, Ethfan. Did you sleep well?"
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He ignores the question. "I've come up with a solution for your Grace dilemma."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:25 PM
"That's great to hear. I'm certainly interested in whatever conclusion you've reached. I do hope you've remembered to follow the principles of Edlightenment, of course."
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"We obviously cannot reach her through your usual direct methods, however we can influence her indirectly."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:39 PM
"Yes, those were my thoughts, as well. Unfortunately, I could not think of a channel to go through for my actions to reach her. I suppose you're claiming that you've managed to find one?"
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"Grace has a rather famous father which she's now moved back in with. And there's nothing more important to anyone than family, wouldn't you agree?"
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 2:55 PM
"A bit of an overgeneralization, I would say. Regardless, your words do ring true for Grace. She has centered her entire life around the perception her father holds of her. Not that I wish to impose on you, but did you have any more specific ideas to influence her through her father?"
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"I'm not the therapist, am I? I leave that part to you."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 3:02 PM
"Yes, I assumed as much. I believe you said her father is named Fredrick Wight, correct?"
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"Yeah, news guy."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 3:18 PM
"I'm afraid to say I'm not familiar with his work." Carolyn takes out her phone, and looks up Fredrick Wight.
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Fredrick Wight is the host of Freedom News Network. It's practically Belto Shelk propaganda but it's very popular. The headquarters are in this city.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 3:50 PM
"I can't say I imagine it will be easy to influence such a celebrity, especially without having our efforts noticed by Grace. Nonetheless, I am committed to saving her, and if this is the only feasible option at the moment, I'm sure I can find a way to make use of it."
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"I'm sure with my connections I can get you a private meeting today."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 3:52 PM
"Oh? That would indeed be rather helpful. Thank you, Ethfan. I appreciate your dedication to this cause."
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He scoffs dismissively. "Whatever I can do."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 4:18 PM
"Until that meeting is scheduled, I might as well show up to the office. Grace may no longer be seeking my services, but there's always a chance that Mr. Smith stops by again, or even a new client. Besides, I don't exactly have much to do in the meantime, and it can't hurt matters, at least." Carolyn puts her phone away in her purse, and prepares to exit the room, before turning back to Ethfan "Will you be accompanying me today, as well?" (edited)
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"Of course." He got up. There's a knock at the door.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 4:23 PM
"...In a hotel? Cleaning services, perhaps? It is a bit early in the day for that, but not impossible. I shouldn't be naïve, though. I'm not exactly a stranger to dangerous circumstances awaiting me beyond doors. Perhaps I should let Ethfan take the lead." "Were you expecting someone?"
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Ethfan nervously walks up to the door and grabs the handle.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 4:30 PM
Carolyn watches this play out.
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He opens the door, revealing this girl. When she meets eyes with Carolyn, 2 names immediately pop up to the surface. Carolyn Blythe Jade Lamperouge. Ethfan quickly shuts the door. "What are you doing here, Eryn?" (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 4:37 PM
"Jade? Why would she be thinking about her? Well, if this woman is an associate of Ethfan's, then it's possible she knows what happened to Lelouch and her friends after Ethfan attacked us. Perhaps she's been tasked with watching over them? Ethfan knows about my ability, so it's likely he's informed those he works with as well, so I can't expect to get too much out of prying here. Maybe I should just see what takes place here, she'll be less on guard if I don't seem like I'm up to something."
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"I came to give you an update." Eryn. "Not while I'm with Carolyn. Are you an idiot? I don't have time for your pointless fangirling." Ethfan.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 4:46 PM
"Fangirling? Over who? The most likely possibilities are clearly Ethfan or myself, given she's chosen to visit us. Ethfan did describe himself as a fan of mine, so it's not impossible she was interested in meeting me. Perhaps I can take advantage of that." "There's no need to be so dismissive, Ethfan. Regardless of if an update is needed, it's always pleasant to receive a visit from friends, is it not? And... I don't believe we've met. I am Carolyn Blythe, but I assume that introduction is more of a formality than actually informative for you."
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"I'm Eryn, Eryn Whetchy." This is a last name you do recognize as part of the victims. "Eryn, leave right now. We're on a tight schedule. Aren't you supposed to be smoothing things over with Johnner?" Ethfan. "Oh, there was a change of plans. I'm with Lelouch and Jade now." Eryn. "What?" Ethfan.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 5:20 PM
"Lelouch and Jade? How are they? The two of them seemed quite happy the last I saw them. I do hope nothing's happened to upset them since then."
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"I hope so too!" Eryn. "Eryn. Did... They spray you with their perfume?" Ethfan. "Yeah? Why?" Eryn.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 5:27 PM
"I see. Well, it doesn't particularly matter to me if the two of them are captive or in control. Perhaps this will be better, even. I don't want them to lose hope before I'm free to extend their happiness. She's made no mention of Maria, though, so I have to assume Ethfan's forces still have her. I'll just let this play out, I don't have much of a preference for whether or not Ethfan can make it out of this situation with his plans intact."
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"Just go. I'll call you back later." Ethfan. "Alright, fine." Her footsteps gradually grow more distant.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 5:31 PM
Carolyn turns to Ethfan "Shall I assume you weren't expecting Lelouch to make use of her ability in this manner?"
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"...No. I wasn't. I wasn't expecting these abilities at all, really... But apparently magic is real now."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 5:36 PM
"It is certainly quite odd. At first, I had assumed mine was a reward for following the doctrines of Edlightenment so closely. Given the others I've met who have been granted a gift, I believe I must have been mistaken."
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"Wouldn't be the first time." He pauses. "Excuse me, I guess I just woke up in a bad mood." He laughs miserably. "We should hurry these things up."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 6:16 PM
"Of course, no good comes from delays. And no offense taken, I've made my share of mistakes in the past. As long as we remain in this world, it's inevitable that any streak of good fortune will come to an end." Carolyn approaches the door "Shall we be off, then?"
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"Indeed." He leaves.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 6:19 PM
Carolyn follows him.
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As soon as they’re out, he lets Carolyn lead.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 6:22 PM
Carolyn heads to the hotel's dining hall, and puts together a nutritious breakfast for herself.
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Ethfan grabs something quick and eats it.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 6:45 PM
"You're not a heavy eater, are you? You know, a full and balanced diet is quite important for maintaining mental fortitude. I don't mean to suggest you aren't capable of taking care of yourself, I just think anyone should do what they can to position themselves in a lifestyle that can best foster mental health." Carolyn begins eating her breakfast.
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"Well, I have much more important priorities than my mental health."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 6:50 PM
"That's quite the selfless attitude to have. Of course, I can't say I don't share your prioritization of others, but I do believe keeping myself mentally well can only serve to benefit those I seek to help."
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"Of course. Everyone knows the most important step in selflessness is putting yourself first."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:00 PM
"I suppose it does sound a tad counterintuitive. But at the end of the day, it's the same as our hypothetical regarding if Grace were to catch onto me. To maximize the happiness of a group of individuals, sometimes you must ensure that the person most capable of helping others remains able to perform their role. You wouldn't want a malnourished doctor to be performing surgery, after all."
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"Well, one could question whether your grand total of 0 current patients is really equivalent to you 'performing surgery'."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:18 PM
"I hope you don't count yourself amongst them. After all, you're the one assisting me in treating Grace, even if she isn't officially my patient anymore. Separate from that, current lapses in opportunities is not an excuse to not prepare for the future. You cannot cram a healthy lifestyle at the last minute."
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"Of course. I'm merely presenting you with all perspectives on these issues. You of all people wouldn't want to be closeminded would you?"
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:29 PM
"I see, thank you for the opportunity to consider opposing arguments. As a therapist, it's my job to hear out differing experiences and consider them, but it's not often these discussions turn to my life. I certainly wouldn't want my actions to be thought out any less than the best I can offer." Carolyn finishes her breakfast, and begins making her way out of the hotel.
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He follows. "Of course. I’m sure many people have had the chance to give some grand speech about your potential mistakes before you shoot them in the head."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:45 PM
"I wouldn't imagine that would leave many of them happy in their final moments. Venting out frustrations can be cathartic, but most would become victims of a rising level of anger and annoyance. They wouldn't be able to understand my perspective without understanding Edlightenment, after all. It's an unfortunate consequence of the world looking down upon my way of life that I don't get many chances to discuss ways of improving it."
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"Are you aware of how prisoners receive special last meals before they're sent to their deaths?"
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:51 PM
"Of course. It's quite the kind practice, I have to say. There are many areas where our prison system fails to maintain happiness, but that final attempt is still appreciated. Even if it is certainly too little."
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"Are you aware that some people find it inhumane?"
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 7:53 PM
"...I can't say I was, no. Would you be so polite as to inform me of their reasoning?"
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"All humans are born with an unknowable countdown to their deaths. In theory, we face each day with the knowledge that it could be very well be our last. Well adjusted people are content with this fact. But when you give someone the knowledge of when they will die and how, the last pieces of their somewhat hypocritical hope crumble to bits. And they are left like that… For a long time. Their despair and mystery only growing with time. And then… They’re granted 1 moment of control. The tiniest most pointless symbol of hope. They’re given it with the knowledge that they will unavoidably die, and there is nothing to do about it. When they’ve completely run out of hope, our government swoops in to give them one last piece to lose. Giving hope to the hopeless damned is cruelty in and of itself. …Or so some would say."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 8:39 PM
Carolyn takes a moment to seriously consider this before responding "I heard quite a similar stance recently, actually. From Mr. Amon, before his untimely death. This idea that hope is a cruelty, I think it's, let's say... misguided. It's missing the root cause of the misery one will feel when it's ripped away. That is, of course, the fact that it's ripped away in the first place, or even just that one knows it will be ripped away. It's why I don't honestly inform my patients about the cruelty of the world, nor the plans I have in store for them. The problem with prison systems is not offering inmates a last meal of their choice, it's letting them know that it will be their last meal, and further back, letting them know that they've received the death penalty. One cannot lose hope if they do not know of the approaching events that will contradict their positive outlook. It's my role to facilitate their death, without them having to know a thing about what I plan to do to them."
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"The imminent death part is what represents the inherent depression and misery of life here... You only have control over the last meal. In theory."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 8:57 PM
"Think of it this way. Imagine if the execution were to be unexpectedly carried out during the last meal. That one moment of control would be the last thing the prisoner ever experiences, it would be who they are for the rest of time. This criticism of providing hope, it's too focused on the future, ignoring the real solution, to simply remove that future. You won't be able to change that a prisoner's execution is approaching, so you must simply not let them finish their meal."
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"But is the meal really enough? Are people so blind as to not realize that their tiny insignificant grasp of hope will never mean anything?" (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:11 PM
"If you refuse to give people hope out of fear that it will be meaningless, then it becomes impossible to justify helping anyone. If their hope is already gone, it couldn't hurt to give them a reprieve, however temporary, from experiencing that misery. Something will always take it away, that's just the truth of this world, but it's better we help those who don't realize that, than ignore them because we are unable to help those that do."
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"That does not remove the cruel-" They arrived at Carolyn's office, causing Ethfan to cut himself off. "Well, whatever the case... I'd appreciate not being compared to someone like Gus Amon."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:15 PM
"It's not like I was comparing your stance, simply the one that you were informing me someone could hold. Regardless, I apologize, I did not realize you had anything against Mr. Amon." Carolyn enters the office.
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"Well... Gus Amon's stance on... Any ethics is painfully incorrect."
9:23 PM
Bob Smith shouts "Carolyn!" from inside Matrick's office. Ethfan immediately looks around in a panic.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:32 PM
"Bob? I can't say I expected him to never come back for a follow-up appointment, but it's odd of him to schedule one with Matrick instead of myself. I don't believe he took an issue with anything I advised him about. If he were waiting for me, it would make more sense to stay in the common area so I could see him on my way in. Odd behavior, but it's possible I'm overanalyzing the situation. I don't believe I informed Matrick that I had received a new patient, so perhaps he took Bob to his office without realizing. I should smooth things out." Carolyn exits her office, and approaches Matrick's.
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Bob jumps out from behind the door and tries to grab Carolyn by the neck. (( #bob-and-carolyn and also roll))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / bob-and-carolyn
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((14))
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:34 PM
((19))
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Carolyn avoids the sudden attack.
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((im going to use the bathroom))
9:36 PM
((dont use a bazooka or something until i react))
9:38 PM
"This time, I'm the therapist now."
9:38 PM
"I'm seen every nook and cranny of your "character" and "dynamics", and now it's time for me to solve your problems."
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"How do you keep finding me!? Do you have some magic tracker you planted on me?" Ethfan.
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"You can go dawdle off and do your own thing you mentally ill scumbag! I just want Carolyn."
9:40 PM
"I'll go and "analyze" you later, you fake ass father!" (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:41 PM
"You two are acquainted? Well, I suppose that makes this situation a bit less awkward. Bob, I'm afraid that I find it unlikely you have the proper certifications to provide therapy. If you'd like to discuss whatever has troubled you enough for this attempted assault, I'd be happy to, but I can't let you harm me today."
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"I'm at my happiest, jackass! Wanna come and kill me?"
9:42 PM
"Rotten cultist!" I leap at carolyn and GO FOR HER FUCKING NECK AGAIN. (edited)
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((Roll))
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((10))
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:43 PM
((13))
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Carolyn dodges again. Ethfan takes out a gun and points it at Bob. "I don't know what on earth your problem is right now, but I don't have time for it. Go bother someone else!"
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"Ohhhh! Now you're acting like my fucking father!"
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:45 PM
"...Very well, I'll trust your judgment. You did seem quite interested in fighting terrorists last time we spoke. If this is what brings life meaning to you, then I'd be fine with it being the moment of your death. Ethfan, would your resources be able to cover such an event up?"
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"Wait- You want me to kill him right now? Your coworker's probably in the other room!"
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"Carolyn, you want to see... you want to see Edward right? You can join him."
9:46 PM
"I'm going to do it! I'm going to kill you! I'm going to make everything happy! Even you!"
9:46 PM
"This is for your own good." (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:47 PM
Carolyn looks concerned for the first time in this encounter "What do you mean join him? My father, did you..."
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"No! This delusion is for no one but you! You're just making all of this about your tiny insignificant little life when none of this has to do with you!"
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Carolyn Blythe
Carolyn looks concerned for the first time in this encounter "What do you mean join him? My father, did you..."
"It was that easy. He escaped. I found him. I shot him dead. He simply didn't want to live in a world with you anymore."
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"He's lying! I would've heard about it!"
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Ehn/PC
"No! This delusion is for no one but you! You're just making all of this about your tiny insignificant little life when none of this has to do with you!"
"Delusions? Speak for yourself! You associate with team nine even though they shot you and abandoned you."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:49 PM
"..." Carolyn takes her pepper spray out of her purse, and sprays Bob with it.
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"None of that is even remotely true! I won't let you paint over my reality with your lies!"
9:50 PM
((Roll))
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Bob closes his eyes.
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:50 PM
((20))
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((9))
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Bob is in incredible pain from the pepper spray.
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"ha ha ha ha. HA HA HA HA HA!"
9:51 PM
"I'm not human! I'm not human! I'm a insignificant object! You can call me anything. A robot even. Whatever it is, I'm a concept of a character."
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Carolyn Blythe 4/15/2023 9:52 PM
"Don't worry, I won't kill you here, this misery will pass. I'm sure you'll forget all about it in therapy, with whoever ends up treating you in the psychiatric ward. I don't know if you killed my father or not, but know that this isn't personal. I'm simply making a judgment call. Whatever this outburst is... it shouldn't be what's preserved of you."
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"The people you killed weren't personal either, I think? Gus Amon?"
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Ethfan puts away his gun and kicks Bob Smith in the face, knocking him out.
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"Whatever." I go for Carolyns neck a THIRD time.
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((End session))
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he does not do this
1️⃣ 3
9️⃣ 3
8️⃣ 3
4️⃣ 3
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-blythe
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Bob is unconscious on the floor. Ethfan kicks him again.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 2:57 PM
"...I suppose it is not unreasonable to take additional measures to ensure his lack of consciousness is indeed genuine." Carolyn puts away her pepper spray "Regardless, I am curious how you plan to deal with Mr. Smith. We cannot exactly leave him here, after all."
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"I can contact someone." He pulls out his phone. "But first, I want to check if your coworker was actually here. He could become a problem." He walks into Matrick's office.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:02 PM
Carolyn follows him, stopping at the door to Matrick's office, to get a view of the interior.
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Hav walks into the office.
3:04 PM
The office itself is empty, but the window is open. "Fuck! He can't see me." Ethfan crouches down behind Matrick's desk. "You have to get him out of here!"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:13 PM
"Someone Ethfan doesn't wish to be seen by? Perhaps a higher-up in his group of 'Edlightenists'? A cop? Oh well, regardless of the identity, it will be useful to keep this in mind, but I should not rush things. Upsetting Ethfan now would be a poor idea. I'll follow his instructions for the time-being." Carolyn exits Matrick's office to speak to Hav.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Other Town / ashley-laurier
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Ashley falls asleep. ((The chapter ends.)) She wakes up to Ehn standing over her. "Rise and shine!"
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 3:11 PM
As soon as the cat-thing enters her field of vision, she covers her face with her hands and closes her eyes as if it hurt to open them. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…" She continues mumbling this to herself in an attempt to get it to go away.
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"Hey! That's not how you treat your generous benefactor! I'm here to help you again!" (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 3:21 PM
It's okay!! It's okay, it's not real! There's nothing that proves it's real yet! Am I going insane??? "…What is it."
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"Sam Kidink! Did you forget what I told you yesterday?"
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 3:34 PM
"Wh-…? What about Sam?"
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"I told you yesterday, didn't I? He's really evil! Left a girl to die!" Ehn did say that about a Sam and the absurd non-sequitur word of 'Kidink' was mentioned as well. Ashley can remember this.
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 3:55 PM
"Okay, even if that were true, what good does it do me to know that? I've already been trying to find him for a whole day now, and it's not like I can do anything about how good or evil he is if I don't know where he is in the first place. If you're really here to help me, wouldn't you be telling me how to get to him?" Maybe it's better I think of this as part of my own mind. I guess it wouldn't be that weird for there to be some part of me that thinks he's evil. Which probably makes what it's saying about leaving a girl to die just some imaginary crime I'm making up to try to convince myself. If I'm aware of my own thoughts like this, I can keep myself from acting on those impulses, at least.
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"Well, because he escaped his mother yesterday, she thinks he's not here. Sooooo... I need you to call her back and let her know her son is safe and alive right here in this town."
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 4:01 PM
"Why should I do that? If he really is as terrible as you say, I want to be the one to get my hands on him, not fork him over to his mom. She probably doesn't even know how to deal with him."
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"Because that's the way the story goes! Besides, what proof are you gonna confront him with? A magic ghost animal told you he's guilty? He still thinks I was a delusion."
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 4:15 PM
…Huh. If this thing really isn't a delusion, then, would Sam believe me if I told him about it? I'd probably seem insane, but if we've both seen the same thing, it'd be hard to call that a coincidence. "Adults don't care about what's good or evil to begin with. All that matters to them is protecting their own interests. If his mom catches up to him, there's no way she'd care enough to give him what he deserves, not to mention she'll definitely be biased by her relation to him. And that's assuming she even has the proof herself."
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"Don't assume every mom's like yours! Naomi's waaaay more obsessed with raising her kid. It's like all she ever talks about."
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 4:34 PM
"How would I know that? How can I take you saying it for a fact, for that matter? Look, if you can tell me where to find Sam and I find out what you're saying is true, I can do what you're asking. I'm not the type of girl to just take anyone's orders on demand."
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"Oh, Autumn already texted you where he is. But it's not like you need that. You just need to call Naomi and tell her her son is here!"
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 4:49 PM
"She what??" Ashley pulls her hands away from her face and opens her eyes immediately, grabbing at the spot she remembers putting her phone down.
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Ashley has a text from both Aura and Autumn.
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 4:51 PM
She reads Autumn's text first.
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'Sam came back here.' It's from a little after you fell asleep.
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Ashley Laurier 4/15/2023 5:04 PM
Upon reading this, she instantly gets up from her bed to start her normal morning routine, checking Aura's message to her as she does so. (edited)
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'nyall good :3' is all Aura said.
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Ashley Laurier 4/20/2023 3:26 AM
Ashley lets out a small sigh. To be fair to herself, it's not as if she needed Aura to give her more of a response than that anymore— while that text was supposed to have the secondary effect of cheering her friend up, the primary goal was to see if she could get Aura on her side enough to cooperate in getting information about Sam from Thomas. Now that Autumn's made sure he's safe, though, there's no longer a pressing need to make her friend listen to reason. At least, not for the time being. Even then, it'd be nice if I could figure out a solution to that eventually. Obviously not everyone can admit they need others' help, but if she could just—…… Ugghhh… Ashley puts her palm to her forehead, the mental and physical pain within it now indistinguishable. Don't think about it don't think about it don't think about it don't think about it! Stop fucking thinking about it. STOP it! You did the best you could, and once you tell Autumn about what happened, she'll realize you were right and you can work to solve the problem together! And on top of that, she's already dealt with the Sam issue for you. All of your problems are on their way to being solved and you're still sitting in your room whining about them?! Go the fuck to school!! Spurred by her own mental pep talk, she briefly opens her messages with Autumn again to send her one last text for the morning: 'congrats on finding him! 🥳 sorry i couldnt help but i'm glad he turned up in the end! can't wait to see you at school today :)'. She then turns back to Ehn. "Thanks for letting me know Autumn found him. Hey, I've got school, so I have to get going for that, but I'll let you know what happened with Sam the next time I see you… whenever that is. I mean, is this going to be a regular contact type of thing, or…?" As she says this, she starts to head for the door, barely even waiting for an answer. (edited)
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"Ughhh… Fine! If you’re gonna force my hand like this- Ashley Laurier! I’ve come to call in that favour! Call Naomi Kidink anonymously, tell her her son is here, and then never tell anyone else you did this!" Ashley is incapable of not immediately completing this favour. (edited)
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Ashley is incapable of not immediately completing this favour.
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Ashley Laurier 4/24/2023 9:58 PM
On cue, she pulls Naomi's business card out of her jacket pocket and dials the number from it into her phone, starting up a call.
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"Hello, you’ve reached Kidink Law Offices. How may we help you?" It’s Naomi. She sounds tired.
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Ashley Laurier 4/24/2023 10:09 PM
"Hi! I'm calling about your son, Sam. You said you were looking for him, so I wanted to let you know he's in Other Town right now."
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There’s a pause, followed by a few weak and yet hopeful words. "Sam… Is alive?"
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Ashley Laurier 4/24/2023 10:14 PM
"Yup. Well, I guess I don't know for a fact that he is, but I definitely saw him in person a few days ago, and I've heard he was still safe and sound here as recently as last night."
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You hear her slowly start to cry on the other side. "Ah… A mother always knows."
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Ashley Laurier 4/24/2023 11:09 PM
At the technical fulfillment of everything in Ehn's request, Ashley frantically hangs up before dropping the phone like it's on fire. It takes the impact of her back suddenly against the wall for her to return to her reality, the pounding of her heart, the spinning of her vision, the tears in her eyes, the acceleration of her breathing, the churning in her stomach, the opening of her mouth to do something that could have either been screaming or vomiting, cut short by her biting into her hand to keep anything from escaping her lips. The taste of her own blood. The pain in her hand. The pain in her hand. She feels so dizzy that she can barely put out the other hand in front of her before she collapses to the floor, looking up through her distorted eyesight at where she saw the thing on her bed.
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Ehn smiles. "Thank you. Was that so hard?"
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Ashley Laurier 4/27/2023 3:20 PM
"…What… What are you going to do to me…? What do you want with me?" Her voice barely comes out as a whimper. At this point, she's not entirely sure whether it'd be worse for this to be a real creature trying to control her, or for it to be a figment of her imagination after all. Both possibilities have nauseating implications, and th- Wait. No. If this thing really is real… Sam should know about it. If she wants to believe there's a way out of this, she needs to find him. Otherwise… She doesn't even want to think about it. Shakily, she tries to wipe herself off, pull herself together, and get up. (edited)
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"I told you! In exchange for your power, you’d owe me a favour. That was the favour. I’m aaaaall out of tricks. Kind of a waste, really."
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Ashley Laurier 4/27/2023 3:31 PM
"…" Ashley eyes the creature hesitantly. There's no way it's telling the truth. With that kind of power, why would it stop at trying to control her only one time if she ever stepped out of line in the future? There's no way she can trust this thing. "…Yeah, alright. Does this mean we won't see each other again, then? C-Could I get a picture with you for the road?" She's making a strained attempt to sound casual.
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"Don’t be scared! Can’t you see that I’m on your side? Everyone else here is either just using you or wishes you were dead. I’m the exception, your one and only real friend."
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"Y’know, they call dogs man's best friend for a reason. People scheme and betray you all the time, but pets never do. They’re loyal to a fault, even when you hurt and mistreat them day after day. That’s how I am too!"
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Ashley Laurier 4/29/2023 7:12 PM
Ashley simply holds up her phone and tries to take a picture of Ehn, in spite of how badly her hands are shaking. (edited)
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Ehn does not show up in the picture. "Come on, if I showed up in a picture like that I'd be a worldwide celebrity!"
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Ashley Laurier 5/6/2023 9:42 PM
"Just… get out of my fucking house already!" she barely manages to spit out in a restrained tone of voice. "If you don't have any more favors for me, leave me alone!" Without even waiting for a response, she turns around and starts to run out of her room into the kitchen.
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Ehn followed. Ashley’s parents are awake, but are clearly avoiding reacting to her. "I told you! I’m not your enemy! And even if you don’t owe me any favours, that doesn’t mean I can’t do anything for you! I’m basically like a god. A very generous one, for some people." Ehn seems more amused than anything.
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Ashley Laurier 5/6/2023 10:51 PM
In spite of how badly she wants to scream something back at Ehn, Ashley keeps her mouth shut. The only thing worse than having this freak following her around would be making her parents think she's insane for talking to someone who doesn't exist. Instead, she heads straight out the door and starts running to the bus stop.
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Ehn is still following. "I could still make other people do favours. In exchange for an ability, I could make them do anything I want. The Nielsens could respect Aura! Your parents could get over the fact you’re a- Oh, whoops. Spoilers. But they could actually care about you! Maybe I could even make Autumn love you back…?" She giggles.
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Ashley Laurier 5/6/2023 11:04 PM
Is anyone around to overhear?
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No one.
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Ashley Laurier 5/6/2023 11:33 PM
Ashley sucks in her breath sharply at Ehn's last suggestion, but after a moment's hesitation, she sighs and shakes her head in frustration. "Do you actually think I'm that stupid? Like, genuinely. Aura's family is a pig piece of shit and a pair of useless morons who don't have the balls to stand up to her. The only people my parents would ever do anything for are themselves. And you're telling me— you honestly think I'd rather see them walking around with superpowers just so I could get something out of it? You think I'd rather make the whole world a worse place just to be happy? Fuck you, and fuck off trying to convince me you'd ever understand me." (edited)
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She smiled. "I didn’t hear a no to the Autumn offer."
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Ashley Laurier 5/6/2023 11:45 PM
Ashley grits her teeth and silently prays that this thing doesn't have the power to read her mind right now. "Like I'd- I'd never want to- Autumn is- You didn't even think she deserved it in the first place! The first time we met, you told me I was wrong for trusting her!"
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"Of course you are! But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ve got a lot of work to do!" Ehn starts walking away. "I’ll see you again after you screw everything up!" She runs off.
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 12:07 AM
Ashley is still running to the bus stop.
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Ashley arrives at the bus stop. The bus isn’t here.
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 12:08 AM
Right, she's probably early. She checks her phone to see how much longer she has to wait for its usual arrival time.
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Not too long. Thomas suddenly approaches her. "We have to talk. In private."
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 12:21 AM
She jumps at the sound of his voice. "What?"
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"You… Acted better than I expected last night. So I owe you the truth, at least. Even if no one else is willing to give it to you." He grabbed her arm forcefully.
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 12:35 AM
"Wh- Wait! How long is this going to take? I can't just miss the bus!"
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"It’ll be fine." He dragged her away.
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 1:04 AM
"Hey! Do you always drag people off like this?? Seriously, I really can't afford to miss school today...!" She doesn't exactly resist being pulled along by him, but she doesn't stop complaining about it either.
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"It’s a habit." He leads her to the Nielsen’s house. "They all already left. It’ll be quiet."
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 3:15 PM
Well… I guess if push comes to shove, I could always run to school. I'll get there late, but one day of missing classes never hurt anyone, probably. How am I going to keep Sam safe from his mom, though? I need to tell him that she's looking for him, somehow… I could probably text Autumn something convincing… She hesitantly follows Thomas's lead while trying to think of ways to handle the Sam situation. (edited)
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He enters and shuts the door behind her. He sighs deeply and turns to her. "So... Where to start?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/7/2023 3:32 PM
Ashley manages to hold back the urge to snap something along the lines of 'You pulled me in here and probably made me miss the bus and you don't even know what you want to say??' at him, instead staying quiet and waiting for him to start.
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"Like you heard last night, Aurora was... Adopted. For a while growing up, I didn't have a sister. And since my parents were out of town in Avengard a lot, I had to raise myself in a lot of ways. I didn't do it the best, but... Back then, I thought I was some kind of hero. Like you and that bitch Autumn, I thought I was better than everyone else, and only I could help them. I was a stupid kid, is the point... Even when Aurora came, I ignored her to do what I thought was more important. Even when things got worse, it was... Difficult for me to notice. I was too busy flying off the handle at people that didn't deserve it. When I see you..." He hits himself in the head. "Well, there's nothing I hate more now than people who think they know how to fix everything." (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 5/12/2023 12:35 PM
She laughs uneasily. "I'm touched by the advice, but if you're telling me this to try to convince me to stop helping people in need, that's not gonna work. I'd try and fail to help someone a hundred times if it meant I could help them the one-hundred-and-first time. That part of me is never going to change." For a few seconds, she tries to find the right words. "But… I am… sorry to hear that happened to you. I understand why you feel the way you do now."
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"I didn’t tell you this because I wanted your sympathy. It’s a warning. If you want to do better, stop fighting. Our parents are cops, they’re never going to receive any kind of consequence for acting how they see fit. It doesn’t matter how well you prove that they hit her, you’ll just annoy them more… And who do you think they’ll take that anger out on? Their favourite punching bag."
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Ashley Laurier 5/13/2023 8:06 PM
Thomas's words conjure a sick feeling in her stomach despite her attempt at confidence. "O-Of course I know that… I'd never want to do anything that I knew would hurt Aura. But it doesn't mean I'll give up on trying to find a safe way to save her. I promise I won't do anything stupid until that happens, and I'm not going to give up hope until it does either." She glances towards the door. "…Did you have anything else? Again, I really have to be at school right now…"
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"I do, actually. It’s about your little girlfriend. And what she’s hiding from you." The bus should be arriving soon.
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Ashley Laurier 5/13/2023 8:23 PM
Oh, thank goodness. Then it's probably not anything important. If she's hiding anything from me, there's no way she doesn't have a good reason for it! I do want to defend her from whatever nasty stuff he's gonna say about her, but that can wait for later. I've got more pressing matters to attend to right now. "Okay, I'd love to talk about that later, but I don't have any more time right now. I could message you about it later if you'll give me your number." Ashley tries to suppress a cringe asking for this. (edited)
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"You remember when Aura lied? When she said this was all her fault and she wanted attention? Autumn whispered something to me then." He ignores her response.
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Ashley Laurier 5/13/2023 8:46 PM
She steps backwards towards the door. "If you have tell me now, you've gotta do it in less than three seconds." Regardless of whatever Thomas is about to say, Ashley prepares to leave the house once three seconds have passed.
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"She told Aura to lie about that."
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Ashley Laurier 5/13/2023 8:49 PM
Ashley sprints out of the house and towards the bus stop as fast as she can, as if the weight of what he's said has literally pushed her out the door.
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Ashley arrives at the bus stop just in time to watch the bus leave without her.
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Ashley Laurier 5/13/2023 9:19 PM
Her heart sinks, and she silently curses at Thomas for dragging her away just to tell her stuff she pretty much already knew. Not again… I can't go back home and ask for another ride without getting a lecture either, which'd be the last thing I need right now. I guess Autumn's place is on the way if I'm running there, though… I could maybe get driven the rest of the way by the Petersons, and I could check if Sam's home too. I've never seen him at school besides that one time at recess anyway, so… Ashley starts running to school as fast as she can.
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Ashley arrives at school. ((End session))
9:21 PM
((You’re going to have to do an actual normal one next Saturday sorry))
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((Saturday))
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Ashley arrives at school.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 2:25 PM
She checks the time. What's the class she and Autumn are supposed to be in right now?
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There's only one class.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 2:58 PM
Of course. Ashley actually doesn't check the time because she knows there is only one class, naturally.
2:59 PM
Instead, she immediately heads to that class.
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As she heads into school, she spots several people dressed like the ones who came with Naomi yesterday arriving into town. ((If this doesn’t change anything give me a second))
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 3:21 PM
It doesn't. Her sole priority is finding Autumn and Sam as quickly as possible.
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((@Ashley Laurier okay hi sorry)) It’s the middle of class. Aura, Autumn, and Sam are all there. Sam is sitting next to Autumn while Aura is alone. There are no empty seats. (( #ashley-and-sam ))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / hav-kerloe
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Hav woke up in his bed.
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Another normal morning. I look out my window at the city of Avengard. It's worth noting that at the present, thousands of other people are also waking up in the same city. That's quite interesting. Today is Monday, the first day of the week. I should be getting ready for work (at Kerloe Fishery, the fish store I work at). I feel fulfilled thinking about how I'm continuing to maintain my presence as a member of society. On Mondays, I have more business than usual, which is a positive development, as more business means more success, and more success is a good thing. It's ironic how the reality of Monday is so distinct from the Monday that Carlfield from the Carlfield comic strip perceives. Indeed, as I've come to realize, this is indicative of John David's satirization of human conceptions, as well as his argument that assumptions of reality are inherently nonsensical. Carlfield is a construct of modern society, and yet his existence is "abnormal" in nearly every sense. Carlfield exists to trick the mindless reader into thinking certain ways about things—if you're unable to think critically regarding the truth of your place in the world, then naturally, your reaction will be that an exaggerated form of the truth is amusing. It cannot be accepted, no matter what. Since it's morning, I get up to feed some of the fish. The fish haven't eaten in a while, so it will be good to feed them. Fish need to eat. They can't communicate their hunger, though. All the same, even if they could, surely they would be ignored. When someone sees a homeless person on the street communicating their hunger, it's the same way. It's not their responsibility, because they're different individuals. They can't feel anything for the homeless person. Just as they cannot feel anything for the fish, who are damaged by society's flawed perceptions of individuality in the same way. I step out of my bedroom into the fish room (more commonly referred to as the kitchen), in order to feed the other fish. Next, I head to the restroom to brush my teeth. Brushing one's teeth is important, though it's hard for me to determine exactly why. I think it might be a good idea to stop brushing my teeth. Fish don't have to brush their teeth, so why should I? I search through my memory to see if Carlfield has any commentary on brushing teeth, but I can't think of anything. I take my keys and exit the apartment.
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The hallway is normal.
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I head down the stairs to the lobby. I always take the stairs. There's no reason to risk running into other people on the elevator. (edited)
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Hav arrives down at the lobby. Everything looks normal.
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I walk to work at the fish store.
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Hav arrives at the fish store. It’s just as destroyed as before.
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I enter the store and wait behind the counter until something happens or the work day ends.
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This woman approaches the fish store and then looks inside. "Would you be the owner of this wreck?"
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"Correct." I smile.
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"Are you familiar with Bob Smith?" ((End session))
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((Give me a bit sorry))
👍 1
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((Hopefully this Saturday for real this time))
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"Yes. In fact, there's something very important I need to tell him. Do you know where he is?"
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"I can pass on a message. What is it?"
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"It's confidential."
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"I’m his lawyer. There’s nothing you have to hide from me."
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"Could I see some credentials?"
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She takes out her attorney’s badge.
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"May I touch it?"
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"What?"
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"That item you're holding. May I touch it?"
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"Why?"
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"I would like to confirm its legitimacy."
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"Isn’t seeing enough? What would touching add?"
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I appear to think for a moment. "Good point." I can't fight everything, now can I? Besides, starting conflict now would be a problem. I decide to inquire about the circumstances instead. "Why did you come here?"
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"Your message first."
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"No. I want to tell it to him myself."
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"You won’t be seeing him again."
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"The message is only for if I see him, so that's fine."
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"This place was destroyed in an explosion." She comments, looking around. "Why are you still here?"
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"Why are you still here?" I smirk.
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"Didn’t I already tell you? I’m Bob Smith’s lawyer."
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"I'm not sure what that has to do with my store."
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"Of course you do. He blew it up."
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"I don't think the lawyer is supposed to admit their client's guilt..."
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"What would you know?"
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"Nothing. Is there anything else you need from me? Would you like something to eat?"
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"You don’t have any food here."
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"Hmm? Why would you assume a fish store didn't have any food?"
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"Because it blew up. This is a rather simple contradiction."
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"I see. Your input is valuable, and I thank you."
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"Am I a joke to you?"
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"Not at all. I just said your input was valuable, and I thanked you."
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"I stated an obvious fact. Are you mentally disabled or something then?"
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"Of course not. How could I own a fish store, if that was the case?"
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"That’s what I’m wondering. Business owners should at least fit a legal definition of sanity, otherwise how could they possibly be expected to handle the responsibility?"
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"Exactly."
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"And yet you just tried to serve me food you quite literally do not have."
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"You have no proof of that."
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"I don’t need proof for this. I serve as my own undisputed witness."
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"I see."
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"You’re still ignoring the point."
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"If you're not going to order anything, please leave my store. Paying customers only."
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"I’m involved in the case. Being here is within my legal right. Much more than it is in yours, in all likelihood."
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"Do you have a warrant?"
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She takes out a large sealed envelope as an answer, before putting it away. "Now stop getting off topic. Are you sane enough to be legally admissible as a witness?"
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"What's that supposed to mean? What's inside the envelope?"
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"The warrant. Answer the question."
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"How am I supposed to know it's a warrant if I can't see inside the envelope?" (edited)
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"It doesn’t matter. Answer the question, Mr Kerloe."
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"I won't do that if you don't show me proof of a search warrant."
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"I suppose I’ll just default to no. You’re clearly not fit to stand in court… Much less run this business."
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"No, I'll do it."
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"So you claim to be sane? Then where is this food you offered me?"
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"One moment." I go to get the food from the kitchen.
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The kitchen has been destroyed and basically no longer exists.
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Hmm... Did I move the refrigerator? I can't seem to find it.
9:38 PM
I look harder.
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This changes nothing.
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I attempt to discern the appearance of my surroundings. Where am I right now?
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The ruins of the store.
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I look directly above me.
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The ceiling is burnt and damaged but still looks stable.
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I jump and attempt to touch it with my hand.
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((Roll))
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((11))
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Hav touches the ceiling. It gets soot on his hands.
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I lick the soot to see how it tastes.
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It’s absolutely disgusting. "Alright, I’ve seen enough."
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"Sorry, I'm having trouble finding anything in the dark. I think we might need to install a new light fixture here."
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"Well, this was a complete waste of time." She face palmed.
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"I'm very sorry. Would you like a coupon for 50% off your next order, for your trouble?"
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"…No." She tosses him a business card. "Just keep me in mind whenever your fragile mind break down and breaks the law."
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No love. I attempt to read the business card.
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Naomi Kidink, Attorney at Law.
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I turn it to the other side.
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There’s some contact information.
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I place the business card in my pocket.
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Her phone starts ringing and she picks it up. "Hello?"
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I do nothing.
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Her expression drops. "…He did what!?"
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I do nothing.
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She runs out of the store in a panic.
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I do nothing.
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Several minutes go by.
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I wait behind the counter until something happens or the work day ends.
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Matrick runs in and immediately collapses. He sits down, breathing heavily.
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I observe the person before making a decision on what to do.
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"H… Hav! He’s… He’s there…"
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"What? What's wrong? Who's there?"
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"You brother! He's… He’s in some kind of fight!"
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"What? Where?"
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"Carolyn’s office." He gives the address.
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I immediately run to the given address.
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((End session))
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((2PM on Sunday))
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Hav arrives in front of the building he was sent towards.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 2:08 PM
I head inside.
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((Give me a second I'm waiting on someone to show up))
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Hav enters the lobby of a therapy office. Bob Smith is passed out on the ground.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:06 PM
I look around to see if I can see my brother anywhere.
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There are 2 individual offices, belonging to either Carolyn Blythe or Matrick Patthew.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:10 PM
I need to convey the instructions to Bob Smith. Before anything else. Nothing important. Convey the instructions, and do nothing important. Convey the instructions, and do nothing important. Convey the instructions, and do nothing important. I press my fingers to Bob Smith's neck to check for a pulse.
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((Roll))
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:11 PM
((11))
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Bob does have a pulse.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:12 PM
"Wake up!" I say this loudly in B. Smith's ear.
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Carolyn Blythe walks out of Matrick's office.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-and-hav
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:24 PM
[inner monologue] Have I seen this person before? I must have... I feel some sort of recognition. But that was from before, wasn't it? From the time where I shouldn't have been doing what I did. I shouldn't accept that, right? He isn't my friend. I'm supposed to avoid her, right? Who was it that told me to avoid her? Was it my brother? It must have been, because otherwise I wouldn't remember it. Why would I remember something that someone else told me? That makes no sense. What was she supposed to be? A "murderer", right? That's not...do I care about that? Could that help me? Do I have an advantage in this situation? No, that's not right! My brother is in danger, isn't he? He's the target. What does that mean? Why does that even matter? It shouldn't matter...no...it shouldn't matter at all. He's so much stronger than this person. He can't be a target, that dynamic has no bearing in reality whatsoever. Yes, it's fine. I feel comfortable. Satisfied. This really, truly isn't important. It never was. I have to keep my faith. Perhaps I veered too far away from the truth. I wasn't able to accept our collective understanding of reality. My brother's life...shouldn't matter anyway. As long as he understands that, then he can't be hurt at all. Everything will remain the same. Of course, my brother understands as well. We must leave the things that "matter" to the people who are stupid enough to think their lives affect anything. Exactly. I can't do anything important. I ignore Carolyn Blythe and attempt to perform CPR on Bob Smith; which I am, of course, trained in. (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:27 PM
"I would not worry about him. There's no reasons the injuries he's received should require CPR, you'll likely just do more harm than good. More importantly, have you come in to sign up for therapy? I'm afraid we don't have any times open today, but we could schedule an appointment for you."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:27 PM
I look directly at Carolyn Blythe. "No." I return to performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Rob. (edited)
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((Roll))
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:28 PM
((16))
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Hav successfully hurts Bob's chest and accomplishes nothing else.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:32 PM
"...Very well, if you have no business here, then I would request that you leave. A therapy office is no place for loitering."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:32 PM
"I need to speak to this person." I point to Smith.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:35 PM
"Perhaps I can be of assistance in his place. Although he's in a physically stable condition, I cannot say the same regarding his mental health. At the moment, it would be difficult to receive any information you desire from him, not to mention the questionable accuracy of his words. Though, as his therapist, I am not permitted to share information discussed during our sessions, if that were to overlap with what you are seeking."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:36 PM
"I don't need information. I don't need to hear anything from him. I only need to tell him something."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:37 PM
"That makes matters much easier then, don't you think? Information can be delivered in many ways not requiring the presence of both parties. A note, perhaps?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:39 PM
[inner monologue] I think back. "If I see him"... That's right, I have already seen him. Therefore, anything I do after this is irrelevant. That...that will work, then. A note isn't important, and it especially doesn't call any attention to myself, because it can be anonymous. This is perfect. I nod. "Do you have any paper and pen that I could borrow?" (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:41 PM
"Of course, one moment." Carolyn removes her notebook from her purse, and carefully rips out an empty page, before placing the rest of the notebook back. She removes a pen from the purse as well, then hands it and the page over to Hav.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:44 PM
I write the following on the page: Lay low like you always do. No matter what, do not do anything important. Don't call attention to yourself, and don't go with anyone except me. This includes your customers, especially Johnner. [inner monologue] I think about this for a moment. No, that doesn't make sense. He doesn't have any customers, because he doesn't own a fish store. But...I was told to convey those instructions, wasn't I? How else am I supposed to convey them? I cross out the part that reads "your customers" and replace it with "fish store customers". [inner monologue] That should do it. I place the note inside Bob S.'s pocket. (edited)
3:46 PM
I then leave.
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((Channel split))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / hav-kerloe
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This girl is standing outside.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:52 PM
I have no comment on this person's existence.
3:52 PM
I attempt to head back to the fish store.
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"What are you doing here?" She calls out to him.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:54 PM
I consider ignoring her, but that would probably be calling attention to myself. It's better if I answer as innocuously as possible. "Therapy."
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"With Carolyn Blythe?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:55 PM
"Yes."
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"Who recommended her to you?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 3:59 PM
What's the best option here? Who is she least likely to ask about this, to avoid any attention being brought my way? I search my memory for all of the names I know before settling on a decision. "John David."
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"The Carlfield writer?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:01 PM
"Yes. He's a friend of mine."
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"He's trying to kill you. You can't die here, Hav."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:03 PM
"...What?"
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"I said you can't die here."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:04 PM
I have to make sure she thinks I'm taking her seriously. That's all that's required of me now. I refuse to think about anything else. "Thank you for the advice. I will take it into consideration."
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She goes into the office.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:07 PM
I go to the fish store.
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Matrick is still there. "What happened?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:09 PM
"...He wasn't there."
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"Are you sure?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:10 PM
"Yes. I looked everywhere."
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"What about… The Elusive Sentasaurus?" (edited)
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:11 PM
"Yes, he was there."
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"Is he alright? What happened?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:16 PM
"He seemed hurt. He wasn't conscious."
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"And... After that?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:17 PM
"I tried to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but it failed."
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"He drowned????"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:18 PM
"I'm not sure."
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He just looks confused.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:22 PM
Me too.
4:22 PM
"Would you like to order something?"
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"Order... Something?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:25 PM
"Food. Fish."
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"Um... I'll have 1 fish. I don't know what kinds there are."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:28 PM
I head to the kitchen to get a fish.
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There is still no kitchen.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:28 PM
Perfect. I take a fish and bring it back to him.
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There is no fish either.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:31 PM
I hand him the fish in my pocket. "Here is your fish. That will be $X.XX. Thank you for shopping at Kerloe Fishery." (edited)
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"Is that... Raw?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:32 PM
"...Have you never heard of sushi?"
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"Doesn't that have rice?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:36 PM
"Well, not necessarily. Colloquially, 'sushi' typically refers to rolls with rice, yet the rice does not make the fish itself any less raw. I assumed you wouldn't be particularly knowledgable on the subject, so I went for the easier comparison. Generally, 'sashimi' refers to the raw fish eaten on its own without seaweed or rice, and is still quite commonly consumed, despite not being nearly as culturally popular as the more full meal that is sushi rolls. Typically, people consider both sashimi and sushi rolls to be a subset of 'sushi', even if that's not technically correct." (edited)
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"You certainly… Know a lot about fish."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:42 PM
"Of course I do. Fish are my livelihood."
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"Why… fish? Out of anything?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:54 PM
"That's something I can't tell you. You have to understand it on your own. I'd recommend the teachings of John David, if you're interested in finding out more about the truth."
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"The Carlfield guy?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:57 PM
"Correct."
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"I don’t think he teaches anything. He just… Writes a comic."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 4:59 PM
"Hmm... Perhaps you're correct. He might be too advanced for someone entirely ignorant. I apologize for confusing you."
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"I’m… a theorist at heart. But even I think anything you got out of those books is just something you already wanted to find."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 5:03 PM
"I respect your perspective."
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"Cats… They eat fish, don’t they?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 5:05 PM
"Correct. Not many people know that—impressive." (edited)
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"It’s common knowledge."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 5:35 PM
"Okay."
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"What I mean is... Is that's what with Carlfield? It kills your job?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 5:36 PM
I laugh. "I can't tell you any more."
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"Why not?" (edited)
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:03 PM
"It wouldn't benefit anyone."
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"If I'm asking, wouldn't that mean it benefits me?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:40 PM
"Sorry."
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"That’s not really an answer."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:42 PM
"There's nothing else I can do for you. Enjoy your fish."
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"You could elaborate! I love hearing from interesting people."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:45 PM
"I won't. Please eat your fish. It's good for you."
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"Why not?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:47 PM
"Please don't ask any more questions. If you do, I'll have to stop answering entirely."
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"Fine, then I’ll just state my theory. I think you want to run away from this job? You want to be a cat instead, running around doing as you please and eating fish. You want to live the life of Carlfield, unrestrained by John's hard working life! Only judging from the sidelines, rather than facing the real difficulties of the world. But that’s just a theory, a psychology theory."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:53 PM
"Very interesting. I will take your words into consideration. It's nice to meet someone else who has some appreciation for Carlfield."
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"Oh, I think they’re a waste of time. They haven’t been funny in decades."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 6:57 PM
"It's not about comedy. Of course Carlfield isn't funny—it never has been. It's a deep social commentary that very few are truly capale of understanding."
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"But you refuse to explain what that means…"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:03 PM
I say nothing.
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"Ah- Wait- I got distracted."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:05 PM
I wait.
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"So… You didn’t see your brother, right?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:09 PM
"I did not."
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"Do you think maybe he’s already…?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:10 PM
"No, of course not."
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"Why not?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:20 PM
"Well, he's extremely capable. If anything, I'd be worried for the safety of the person who is after him."
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"But… From what I’ve seen, she’s even stronger than the police."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:21 PM
"I see."
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"Aren’t you worried?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:23 PM
"No. Even if I did think there was danger, I know he wouldn't be afraid of death."
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"Wh-What? Is he suicidal?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:24 PM
"He's strong. He knows the truth, just like me."
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"What truth?"
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:25 PM
No comment.
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"You’re very confusing."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:30 PM
I nod satisfactorily. (edited)
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"…Sorry, though."
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:31 PM
"It's alright." I smile.
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He leaves.
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Hav Kerloe 5/7/2023 7:32 PM
I stay.
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((End session))
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((Saturday))
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Nothing else happens for the rest of the work day.
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I head back to the apartment.
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((Give me a second))
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Gordon and this woman approach Hav as he leaves the store.
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I take note of this.
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"Hav, you’re coming with us." Gordon.
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"Hmm? Why?"
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"Because you have to." Gordon. "Come with us or we’re gonna kill you!" The woman seems drunk.
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I was doing so well... Why did this have to happen? I've got to get out of here as soon as possible. I begin to run back to the apartment.
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The woman takes out a knife and runs after him. "Don’t kill him!" Gordon.
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I keep running.
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((Roll))
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((5 unless you want me to reroll in the dice channel))
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The woman catches him and puts the knife to his neck threateningly. She laughs maniacally. "Sorry, but no one’s safe from the main antagonist!"
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I stay still.
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"Well, that’s… Hav, you’re coming with us." Gordon.
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"No."
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"I’m gonna kill ya if you don’t!" The woman.
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"I am not afraid of that."
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"What? No, you’re… People are meant to value life." Gordon. "Well, I’m not people either by that definition, so no judgements here!" The woman.
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"I simply understand that you are incapable of causing me any harm."
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"I can cause you plenty of harm!" The woman.
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"You're wrong. There's only one way to cause me harm, and you don't know what it is."
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"Stabbing people tends to do the job!" The woman.
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"Go ahead and try. You have no effect on me." I smirk and attempt to get away from the two of them.
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((Roll))
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((16))
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Hav breaks free. The woman doesn’t even try to stab him. "Ghrk." "What happened to being evil, huh?" Gordon tries to grab Hav by the arm.
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I dodge and run.
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((Roll))
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((15))
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Hav escapes.
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Back to the apartment.
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Hav arrives back at the apartment building without a problem.
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Time to check the mail.
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There’s a new Carlfield comic.
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Naturally, I read it.
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Hav Kerloe
There are three rooms in my apartment, and I enter the second one. It is a kitchen, but I prefer to call it the fish room, because there are several fish tanks in it. Ironically, the fish room is also where I cook and eat fish. As much as I would love to cook a delicious fish breakfast, my work takes priority. I enter the third and final room of the apartment, the restroom. I brush my teeth—an important activity, though I'm unsure why. I wonder if Carlfield brushes his teeth. He takes the idea of hating Mondays from humans, despite it being meaningless to him, so why not brushing teeth as well? Finally, I feed the many fish in the fish room. I wonder which is more important—feeding the fish, or brushing my teeth? What a fascinating dilemma. However, the answer is obvious—of course feeding the fish is more important. Brushing my teeth does not keep me alive. Feeding the fish does keep them alive. If I stopped feeding the fish, it would affect their lives, it would kill them. As the owner of a fish store, I am responsible for the deaths of many fish. Of course, the lives of fish are unimportant. I don't know why this is, but it's true. I'm suddenly struck with an idea. I reach my hand into one of the tanks, and take a fish out of it. I rush to my bedroom with the squirming fish in my hand, and open the window. I then drop the still living fish out of it, onto the streets of Avengard below. I close the window, and return to the fish room. I'm spreading fish to the people. What a wonderful thought, someone being able to witness the death of a fish right before their eyes. Will they understand? Will they see that this doesn't matter, because society has told them that this fish's life is meaningless? Will they be confused as to why a fish is dying right in front of them? They shouldn't be. Why would a fish's death only matter if you specifically are the one who witnesses it? Like Carlfield eating his lasagna, people are ignorant to the idea that things must happen to cause their everyday activities. Yes. I will write to John David and tell him my idea. I grab a pen and a piece of paper, and begin to write. To John David, creator of Carlfield I think that it would be very interesting if you were to have a Carlfield comic strip in which Carlfield must confront the ways his beloved lasagna is made. He would be disgusted at first, but he would realize that there is no reason to be discomforted by this, and understand that he always knew that his lasagna would be made like this. Seeing it makes no difference. This realization could also potentially spur Carlfield into understanding why his hatred of Mondays is illogical—he is a cat, not a human. Human logic does not matter to him. I do not require credit for use of my idea. Thank you, Hav Kerloe (owner of Kerloe Fishery) I place the letter in an envelope, then attach the requisite postage stamps to the envelope. I wonder how I will find out where to send this letter for it to reach John David. I don't use the internet, so looking it up there would not be possible. I decide that I will ask the next person I communicate with to search it for me. I take the letter and a pen and place them in my pocket. I then take my keys and exit my apartment. (edited)
The first panel has Carlfield excitedly notice the Lasagna Factory. The second panel has him run inside and be disturbed by the lasagna factory’s process. The third panel has him eat the lasagna right off the production machines while thinking "Hey, at least it isn’t Monday."
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((Saturday))
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((Saturday))
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What...? No. This can't. No. This makes no sense. This is too... No. That's not right. I can't understand this. This isn't what Carlfield is supposed to be. This is unbelievable. Who did this? Did I do this? That makes no sense. I couldn't have done this, that isn't possible. I couldn't possibly have done this. It is impossible for me to have done this. Me doing this is not a possibility. I can't understand how this happened. I can't figure out the reason. It's not right. Something feels off. Wrong. Unnatural. The world doesn't work this way. Something is broken. I feel that there's some sort of distinct force pushing against me, but I can't tell what it is. It's too much. How am I supposed to think about this? I can't believe something like this. I'm right. I've solved everything. Reality is mine. That's just how it works. And yet, this doesn't make sense. This isn't normal. Life doesn't work like this. I take a moment to look at today's Carlfield again. It's so obvious now. I did this. But I'm not supposed to do this, am I? I'm supposed to not do anything. People are supposed to not do anything. People aren't supposed to trust or believe anything anyone else says. That's how the world works. That's the expression of collective understanding. We all agree to ignore each other, we all agree to never go further than the absolute, undeniable surface, because doing so would be meaningless. All life is the same. That's how the world works. People would never believe me. Nobody would ever trust me. That isn't a possibility. I'm not someone who can be trusted. I'm an unfathomable, incoherent freak. People should not be able to tell that I'm right. But I am right. I am right. I know that. I am certain. I've always been certain. But this confirmation, that...that doesn't make sense. I don't feel anything different. Everything is the same. Everyone should agree to ignore me. That's what they should be doing. I shouldn't have a place, or a purpose, or a viewpoint into anything. I am like a fish. I should be cut up into pieces and exist for others to feed off of. I have no individuality. So...what should my reaction be here? Can I deny this? No, because it's too understandable. I can't recognize something here as coherent, because I struggle to understand anything. I don't know what's happening around me. I don't see anything. I can't see anything. Please, someone help me understand. This isn't funny. There's no joke. There shoukld be a joke. There should be something for me to deny, there should be a rift between perceivable reality and my understanding of the truth. But there isn't. Where is it? I can't find it. I can't find anything. (edited)
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The comic remains the same.
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I head upstairs. Upstairs. Up stairs. They call it that because to get there you need to go "up" the "stairs". Exactly.
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Hav arrives upstairs.
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Into apartment.
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"Hav." Gordon and the drunk woman exit the elevator as Hav enters his apartment.
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I turn around. "Yes?"
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"Why do you say it like that? He already knows you're coming for him." Drunk woman. Gordon turns to her. "People like to be reminded they exist... That they have a name. Maybe that's why you don't have one, EL." He turns back to Hav. "Like I said, you're coming with us." EL scoffs.
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I close the door behind me and lock it.
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"Great job on the humanitarian approach there." EL's sarcastic voice can be heard through the door. "Your threats didn't work last time, either." Gordon. The sound of lockpicking becomes audible.
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I check to see if I can jump out of the window safely.
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He can't.
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I check to see if I can climb down the wall of the building.
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He can't. At this point, they open the door and walk in.
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I run OUT of the door.
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They block the door before he can leave.
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I give up.
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"You need to stop running, Hav. Before things get worse." Gordon. EL notices the fish tank and approaches it in awe. "What are doing?" Gordon. EL pokes the glass a few times.
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"Why?" I ignore Erriet Ladin.
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"Because you have to. We’re moving." Gordon. EL keeps poking the fish tank.
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"Moving where?" Hav.
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"Not sure yet. Johnner doesn’t tell us much." Gordon. "He has pet fish!" EL laughs a bit. "D'you think he eats them too?" "…Maybe? What does it matter?" Gordon.
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"Why would you listen to someone who tells you nothing about his plans?"
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"Two reasons, I guess. One, he’s a powerful guy. I’d prefer to keep things victimless where I can. Two, I have… A sort of code. It’s a more complex belief about life than you’d usually find, but it’s one I live by. Ethfan-" Gordon is interrupted. "Ask him if he eats the fish!" EL. "Why?" Gordon. "Just ask!" EL. "…Fine. Do you eat the fish in that tank?" Gordon.
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"Yes. Now continue."
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EL bursts out laughing. "Are you satisfied now?" Gordon. "…Sure." EL. "This isn’t a game. Stop treating this like a joke." Gordon turns back to Hav. "As I was saying…" EL shoves him out of the way and grabs Hav by the collar. "I’m thinking this is more my scene, y’know? Who’s gonna let a bore like you talk for so long?"
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"Can you explain what this 'code' is?"
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"My code is pretty simple! Be evil! You look at life and there’s only really 3 choices… Be good, do nothing, or be evil. And you know what the funniest one is? Evil! No one's ready for when you swoop in and ruin their day for no apparent reason at all! It’s the greatest code of all!" EL.
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"And you?" I gesture to the other person.
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"I believe all people should be happy. Even… When it doesn’t seem possible. There’s more to it, but it’s complicated. I’ll tell you if you come with us." Gordon. "Get a load of this corny loser, huh?" EL.
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"What were you going to say about my brother?"
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"I’ll tell you when we get there." Gordon. EL suddenly hits Hav in the stomach with her knee. "What the hell was that for?" Gordon. "Revenge." EL smirks.
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I say nothing.
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EL hits Hav again. "This guy didn’t get scared by my knife! It’s my duty as villain to leave a lasting fear in there somewhere!" "There’s no need for violence. You know we’re not supposed to hurt the subjects." Gordon. "Hm…" EL thinks about it for a second. "…But I don’t really care?" She hits Hav again.
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I say nothing.
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"He’s not reacting…" EL says angrily. "Good. Then you can stop." Gordon sighs. "…Maybe. Orrrrr…" EL shoots the fish tank with a gun, causing it to slowly leak water.
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I say nothing.
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"Kind of anti-climactic." EL. "There was no reason to do that." Gordon. "Maybe you’re right. But that’s just how we evil people roll, y’know?" EL topples the fish tank over, making everything fall out of it.
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I say nothing.
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And yet, for reasons incomprehensible to Hav, he begins to cry. "Haha! I did it!" EL.
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This happens.
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I'm upset. Clearly. This represents something, doesn't it? Things are the same. It doesn't seem like anything has changed. But something within me feels as if it's uncovered itself. There's some truth that I've found, even if I can't exactly tell what that truth is. The fish dying doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all. There's nothing wrong with that. They accepted their fates. That's why they exist. They're part of a larger whole, and individually, they are meaningless. Why am I upset? There's something for me to be angry about, there's a frustration I feel at the world outside of me. But I'm not sure what that frustration is. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to connect what I'm feeling now with what happened before. But, I understand things so well. So, when something goes wrong, then maybe that's when I stop having the ability to exist as it is correct to. Right now, I'm worthless. I am right where I belong. The fish are dead. I think I might be jealous of the fish. I think they live the ideal lives. I think I should have lived that life too. I think there's no reason to do anything here. This isn't the truth. Nothing has been uncovered. I just have to accept this. That's what I am. I've lost something. Something very important to me. But I don't know what.
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Alien hand syndrome is a rare occurrence in which people begin to experience their hands moving without their choice. They don't understand what pieces of themselves are doing. Like puppets for something outside of their vision, they move without passion or purpose. But while hands are the known phenomenon, I believe many people experience it all the time in all sorts of ways. If unconscious uncontrollable movements are a strange and disturbing phenomenon, then what is every single day of my life? I act because I'm supposed to. I think because I'm supposed to. I feel because I'm supposed to. My conscious brain has no effect on these things. It merely listens and follows, in a pattern not decided by my mind. Or... Perhaps it is decided by my mind. If you asked me what I had or had not chosen, I would answer that I had chosen all of it. I don't... Understand. And yet I do. So when you ask of me what I have done, it is undeniable that I am at fault. And yet I didn't choose any of it. Am I... Even me? I've never experienced the desire to want something. To want to do something. Maybe once. Once, long ago, I felt what it was like to live. I knew sadness, happiness, anger. I laughed, cried, and got angry. Maybe. It's a nice idea, but not one I can really conceive. In my life, I don't really feel these core pieces people find in humanity. It's like I'm a machine, making assumptions based off of observation and mimicking them in some kind of automated process. A tragedy has occurred? In my heart, I don't really care. Maybe it's because it doesn't affect me. Maybe it's because I'm a cruel person. And yet... I cry.
3:35 PM
Tears surprise me just as much as any other shock. More surprising than any tragedy is the fact my body apparently cares. Was I sad...? I didn't know. I never know. I just do as it says, and assume that I do care. Like a machine, I continue. I continue. I continue. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you truly cared about those fish, Hav. Like you, I too am crying. I grieve your loss of food. It must be such a tragedy to lose your meal. That's my assumption.
3:38 PM
A strange place to put this, is it not? You're detracting from the story.
3:39 PM
Fuck you. Why are you here?
3:40 PM
I'm reading. Was that not assumed? You have attempted to speak to me here in the past.
3:40 PM
You didn't respond then.
3:41 PM
That's because you were attempting to bait me with insults. I have no intention of repeating the same non-conversations for the rest of my life. (edited)
3:42 PM
So if I start insulting you, you'll leave again?
3:46 PM
Yes. However, I was planning to go back to reading anyway. I was simply asking of you to continue the story. I quite enjoy listening to his perspective on various matters, so long as they do not concern impossible wish fulfilment like that Carlfield comic he requested. His Chapter 8 has been consistently the least interesting of his chapters so far.
3:46 PM
Fuck off.
3:46 PM
...
3:47 PM
"Get away from him, EL." Gordon pushes her away. "Come on, don't you find this way more fun? Or is it just because I'm sooooo evil I do?" EL. "I'd assume the latter." Gordon.
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I attempt to leave the apartment.
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"Wow, I can't believe you're so terrified of me! Hahahaha... Afraid the big bad EL is gonna come and kill you in your sleep?" EL. "I'm not scared of you. Honestly, I find you kind of pathetic." Gordon. EL slashes at him with her knife suddenly. Hav leaves the apartment while they fight.
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I feel free. I go to the door next to the apartment I was just in, and ring the doorbell.
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They don't answer.
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I do the same with the door next to that one. I continue this process until someone answers.
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"Hello?" One of them answers.
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"Could you help me? I think these people are trying to kidnap me." That's how it should go. I get assistance from someone who doesn't know better. Because that's what's expected of me, now. I feel like this is the correct decision.
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"No." They don't answer further.
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"Why not?"
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They still don't answer.
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((You said you can’t this weekend so could you do like a makeup session or something))
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((Any weekday works))
11:14 PM
((Not tuesday actually))
11:14 PM
((Any weekday except tuesday))
11:14 PM
((this week))
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((Does idk Monday work))
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((Tomorrow? Yeah))
11:15 PM
((What time))
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((2PM ig))
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They still don't answer.
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There's nothing more I can do, is there? I'm stuck. I have nothing to hold onto, no way to believe what I'm doing is reasonable. There's no direction I'm being pointed in. I understand the world so well, yet that understanding is still the only attachment I have. I have to let go. Everything is an illusion. It wouldn't happen. I refuse to believe it happened. I feel so lost. This moment is comforting. Thank you for your denial; it's all I have the capability of knowing. I enter the elevator. (edited)
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As Hav approaches the elevator, Matrick exits it. "Oh... Hav. I need-" He pauses. "Are you crying?"
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I wipe my face. "I'm fine. What is it?"
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"I ran into her again... I think... I think there's a lot of danger now. I need your help."
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Yes. That's exactly what I need. This is the only way I can do anything, now. I need to do something. I'm so desperate. "Of course. I will help you."
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"Oh... Oh thank goodness." He sighs in relief. "I thought I was dead for sure, for a moment there..."
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I smile.
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"...Did something happen on your end? The crying..."
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"No. Please, don't concern yourself with that."
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"Ah, well... You see... It's kind of my job."
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"I'm not your client."
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"Well... You could be? You sound like a really interesting person to theorize about." Matrick. Gordon walks out of Hav's apartment, bleeding. "EL, cut it out! This isn't about your stupid ego!" Matrick quickly steps into the elevator, out of sight from Gordon.
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I follow M into the elevator.
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He presses the button for the lobby.
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I say nothing. I feel satisfied, if not a bit confused. I can do this, though. This situation makes me feel like what happened before was nothing more than a fluke. Or, perhaps, it was a result of going too far. I questioned too much. That's not how you're supposed to handle life. That's not how you're supposed to find satisfaction. Right here is where I belong.
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"Thinking about it, hm... What are you good at? I went to you for help because of the brother connection, but I don't... Really know anything about you."
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"Cooking fish. Selling things (mostly fish)." (edited)
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"What about... In a fight? When Carolyn tries to kill us."
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"I can't make any promises, but I will try my best."
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"Oh. Hm..." He thinks. "Maybe we need... More people then?"
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"Not a bad idea. The more people, the more can be accomplished."
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"Oh, but... I don't really have any friends. And I shouldn't involve clients..." (edited)
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"I'm sorry."
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"I guess I'll have to figure these things out, first... You can go back home for now, sorry." The elevator arrived at the lobby.
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"No. I'm coming with you."
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"Oh? Why?"
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"Because I am dedicated to helping."
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"Oh. Me too, I guess…"
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"That's great. 🙂"
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"But I’m just… Going to go home."
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"I see. I guess you aren't that dedicated, then."
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"Ah- Well… That’s- What do you think I should be doing better?"
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"Think of a solution now."
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"Huh- But I- I don’t have anything… I need more basis."
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"You'll never get any more basis with that attitude."
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"I will, though… That’s why I’m going home."
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I frown.
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He leaves.
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Back to the elevator.
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This succeeds.
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Up to the 25th floor.
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They’re gone at this point.
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Into the apartment.
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There’s blood on the floor and the fish tank is still spilled all over the floor. Otherwise, the place looks normal.
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((Are you going to say something))
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((Was considering options sorry)) I feel sick. This whole situation is...deeply uncomfortable. I'm tired. I need to go sleep. Maybe everything will be better in the morning. Maybe then I'll be able to regain my proper relationship with the world around me. Otherwise, I'm not sure what to do. Should I leave? Should I find something new? Is that what I need? A distraction? I need to feel fulfilled, somehow. Like there's something I'm doing. Otherwise, things become too different. I stop being comfortable within the world, and start being an outsider. Someone who doesn't see things correctly. Someone who thinks they can change anything. I can't do that. I know that the possibilities open before me don't make sense. I just can't stand how much I want to accept them. I have a wish. I can make the result of that wish occur however I'd like. I don't need anyone else. I know that my desires are not my own. I know that everyone, deep down, has the same wish. And I can't understand why this is different. I attempt to go to sleep. (edited)
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Hav Kerloe finishes the chapter.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-blythe
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:52 PM
Carolyn walks back to Matrick's office "He has left. Your brother seems to care about you quite a bit, I can't help but wonder why you were so insistent on avoiding him. Strained relationship? Or perhaps you do not wish for him to know you associate with a murderer."
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There's a clear spike of guilt in his emotions that breaks through the usual endless misery. "Nothing for you to worry about."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 3:57 PM
"Of course not, I don't mean to pry." She walks over to the window "I suppose it is not impossible that Matrick simply enjoys a breeze, but I assume we are on the same page regarding the much more problematic possibility for why an empty office would have an open window."
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"Wh- You mean he jumped out?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:01 PM
"I performed the same action not even a week ago, when I believed myself to be in danger. A fall from the second story is hardly one that you need to a worry about fatal injury during, and thus it's the clear superior alternative to staying around. Strangulation, pepper spray, and a man held at gunpoint. It's not exactly a situation I'd test my luck by waiting to see how it ends up."
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"Well... That's certainly troublesome. I'll send Lillian to try to find him once she deals with Bob."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:12 PM
"Very good. I appreciate your assistance in this matter. I do apologize for incurring Mr. Smith's anger, and thus attracting him to this office. It appears the two of you have a troubled history, and I can't say I wished to provide undue reminders of such events while you're lending me your aid."
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"At some point, he just decided I was his father apparently. It's disturbing." Ethfan. This girl walks into the office.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:19 PM
Carolyn exits Matrick's office to greet her. "Hello there, I am Carolyn Blythe. And you would be Lillian, I presume?"
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So this is Carolyn, then? Is there really any point in dealing with her? Why waste time on her, dad? "That's correct."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:26 PM
"I thank you for your help in this matter. I don't mean to keep you, don't worry, I just want you to know that your work is appreciated. People aren't told that nearly as much as they deserve it, at least that's what I find." Carolyn gives her a smile.
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Is this a joke? What is she trying to imply? "Why is the creator of Carlfield trying to make you kill Hav Kerloe?" Lillian. Ethfan approaches them. "Don't believe whatever nonsense Hav told you."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:36 PM
"Indeed. To my knowledge, I've never met the one you call the creator of Carlfield, and I've never had an intention to kill Hav Kerloe. Although, if that is his concern, then perhaps his mental state is more dire than I thought. He truly appears quite unwell, but most of what I observed seemed to primarily be driven a lack of self-worth and something resembling repression-induced memory loss." (edited)
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"It doesn’t matter. Hav is delusional and deranged, but he’s happy isn’t he? You’re not going to start demanding to fix happy people simply because they’re broken, are you? That man doesn’t matter." Ethfan.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 4:55 PM
"I wonder if that's truly the case. Certainly, believing one's life doesn't matter will avoid stress that comes with responsibilities and consequences, but producing happiness? I find it unlikely. He called himself 'comfortable', and 'satisfied', but can the life he lives really be fulfilling for anything other than a lack of difficult events? The problem with living comes from that push-pull, happiness and hope opens you up to a tragic loss. It's why I must free my targets as quick as I can after their death. But one who has nothing important to them? They cannot experience either. For them to die in that state would avoid endless suffering, but it would be an irreversible loss of their ability to understand true happiness. Unfortunately, I can't say that arguing with Ethfan regarding this would be likely to produce worthwhile results. If I had to guess, I would say he was the one to instill these beliefs into Hav in the first place. And as much as he loves to bring up debate topics, this does not seem like one he's interested in, now that the focus has turned on his life." "You are correct, regardless of how we get there, happiness is happiness all the same. My apologies, I've only had brief meetings with Mr. Kerloe, it was not enough time to determine his emotional state. It would be inappropriate of me to question your judgement regarding one you are so close with, when I still lack valuable context."
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"Wow, she really just follows everything you say?" Lillian. "Lillian, just get Bob and go." Ethfan scoffs.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 5:06 PM
"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Lillian. I wish you luck in dealing with Mr. Smith. My apologies for handling him in a manner that requires an additional party to trouble themselves."
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She doesn’t react to Carolyn. "Bye, dad." She drags Bob out.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 5:10 PM
"I was not aware you had children. Congratulations."
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It is painfully obvious from their ages that Ethfan could not be her father.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 5:15 PM
Carolyn says this anyway, not one to discount the possibility of late adoption.
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He ignores her.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 5:50 PM
"If there's no other matters to attend to, I'll be in my office. Inform me when you have an appointment with Mr. Wight scheduled, if you will." Carolyn enters her office.
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"Alright."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 6:06 PM
Carolyn takes a seat at her desk, and begins jotting down notes regarding Ethfan, Hav, and Bob in her notebook, along with reviewing her thoughts on Bob's session with her. "The most important information I'm still lacking is what Ethfan truly views Hav as. He wanted me to leave Hav alone, to not try to fix him. If that's because he wants Hav to be happy... It would certainly be possible to use that against him. Once Grace is dead, I may no longer have a need for leverage over Ethfan, but if he continues to get in the way of solving Maria's happiness, it would certainly help to be able to threaten something that he loves. As long as I don't fatally injure Hav, any unhappiness I inflict is reversible. If it's necessary for saving all of them, I may have to take drastic measures."
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Ethfan walked in. "It's set up. Go there as soon as possible."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/7/2023 6:09 PM
She puts away her notebook and stands up "It's to take place at FNN headquarters, I assume?"
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"Of course. I assume all news hosts are talented liars, but you can only hide your thoughts if you actually know to. It should be easy to do whatever you intend to. Naturally, I assume you take whatever you see inside my head with a grain of salt as well."
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((Saturday))
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 4:02 PM
"Would that make you more comfortable? I understand that my gift may seem a tad intrusive, especially for one as enigmatic as yourself."
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"Did you forget? I’m your biggest fan." He smirks.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 4:06 PM
"Of course. I'll be off, then. Thank you for your assistance regarding Grace." She exits her office.
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He follows.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 4:18 PM
Carolyn begins making her way to FNN headquarters, presumably taking the subway.
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He sits next to her. "You know, it’s kind of funny."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 4:31 PM
"Oh? And what would that be?"
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“A girl raised by a man with excessive influence over his audience, who spouts nonsense for petty cash. A man who'd so easily choose influence and power over others rather than his own daughter. And so the poor daughter is left to conjure her own fantasies where he cares about her, where what he’s said and done is about her. So desperately chasing fantasies of her father's approval in some twisted form." He turns to Carolyn and smiles condescendingly. "It almost reminds me of someone."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 5:14 PM
Carolyn stares at him silently for a moment, before returning the smile "I would say that's a tad unfair to Mr. Wight, wouldn't you? I certainly cannot approve of how he's treated his daughter, but I'm sure he's had his own struggles throughout the situation. To say that he would never choose her, that he does not care... Well, everyone has different ways of showing their emotions. You may turn out to be right, but I will not be so quick to judge."
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"You’re right… What is the mere hearsay I know worth?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 5:35 PM
"That is what I intend to find out. I still do not know why I was given my gift, but I can think of no greater way to rid myself of premature assumptions. Everyone deserves to be understood."
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The subway arrived at the correct station.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 5:50 PM
Carolyn exits the subway and continues to her destination.
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Ethfan continued to follow. They arrived at the large FNN building. Ethfan walked right inside.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 5:56 PM
Carolyn enters as well.
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"We have an appointment." Ethfan says this to a guy working there, who immediately lets them through.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 6:35 PM
"I believe this is the first I've truly seen Ethfan's influence in action. He's had followers perform under instructions from him already, but scheduling a meeting with a celebrity in a day is quite the step above having a few devoted to the same cause as you. What could they have done to get here? I can't deny that it is a useful asset to have on hand, but given the state of the city, and his actions over these past couple of days, I find it hard to believe this acquisition of power was peaceful. I will have to look into this." Carolyn continues to make her way through the building while pondering this.
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Ethfan heads upstairs and stops in front of a door with 'Fredrick Wight' on it. He knocks. (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 6:38 PM
Carolyn waits silently with a smile.
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Fredrick Wight opens the door. Alright, what do these next grifters want? "Afternoon. Who’s this?" "My employee will explain everything to you." Ethfan gestures to Carolyn.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 7:52 PM
Carolyn gives a quick bow of her head "It's a pleasure, Mr. Wight. I'm here to discuss your public image. I believe there's something I can assist with."
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Some PR scumbag then? "Come on in." He enters his office.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 7:55 PM
Carolyn follows him in.
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"I’ll keep watch outside." Ethfan whispers this to her and shuts the door behind her. "So… What’s the deal?" Fredrick sat down at his desk.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:01 PM
"You're quite the popular figure, Mr. Wight. A host of a news network is an influential position, you've got many eyes centered on you. And, as you're no doubt aware, nobody who discusses politics avoids making enemies. Those who disagree with the rhetoric you spread, and wish to tear down your credibility. You see, the the thing about being a human is that... no matter how much you push your professional life into the spotlight, your personal life can never be truly erased."
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I gotta sit through a fucking ramble this time too? "Uh-huh?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:06 PM
"Sorry, I don't mean to bore you with the preamble. Allow me to cut to the chase. Your daughter... Well, one of your daughters, has moved back in with you, if I'm not mistaken."
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Grace? How the hell’d this become a problem already? Is this about that fungus fiasco? "That’s correct."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:14 PM
"Do you happen to know what she's been doing while away from you all this time? I'm aware you haven't been the most present father, so if you need to be caught up to speed, I'll be happy to assist."
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Shit, is she a friend of Grace? I thought she said this wouldn’t come up. Regardless, I can’t say I really care. "That’s none of my business."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:19 PM
"I can't say I quite agree with that assessment. You've accepted her back into your life, a silent communication that you support her and her actions. And if the public were to find out that she has been in bed with the leader of The Fungus, I'm sure you'd agree that it would be unwise to expect your reputation to go undamaged."
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…The fuck? He just looks shocked.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:23 PM
"Allow me to make one thing clear. This is not blackmail. I do not wish to make this information public under any circumstances. Let's just say... I have an interest in you and your daughter remaining out of controversy. But your daughter... Well, first, let me check one thing. Why do you believe she ran away from home so many times?"
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I need to get the hell out of this conversation. "That’s none of your concern."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:30 PM
"Perhaps that's true, but I do believe it's quite a lot of your concern. You see, when children feel neglected, they try to get attention. One school of thought regarding marketing believes any press to be good press, and Grace appears to believe the same regarding your relationship with her. And if she was willing to run away to make you hate her... Well, if you don't give her the love and affection she needs in the present day, then I think it's clear she has a much more damaging trick up her sleeve this time."
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"Freedom. You know the word?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:34 PM
"I don't believe this is the time for dancing around our positions, Mr. Wight. What do you truly wish to say?"
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"It’s the basis of life. Everyone just wants to be free, don’t they? Free to be themselves, say whatever they want, do whatever they want… You get the picture. Now, if say… A kid keeps running away and never listens when you bring ‘em back… I say they’re free to make that choice. Are you gonna be a fascist?" Better to leave things at that.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 8:58 PM
"I think you misunderstand my perspective here, Mr. Wight. Or, rather, you misunderstand that this is about my perspective at all. I am not judging you for how you've treated your daughter. Think of this as... an objective observation on her mental state. If you continue to neglect her, no matter what reasons you have for doing so, it's your career that's on the line. Remember that, if you would."
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What does she mean by that? "What do you mean by that?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 9:06 PM
Carolyn looks a bit surprised "Oh? Sorry, let me simplify it. It's in both of our best interest for communication to be as clear as possible. Grace's personal life is significantly scandalous, having had sexual relations with a drugged up revolutionary. She craves your attention, even if that means your scorn. If you don't give her a healthy stream of positive affection, then she may exercise her freedom to discuss her exploits with the press. All I ask is that you avoid that outcome by treating her as a father should. Is that understood?"
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He just laughs. "As a father should? What exactly is that? Did they refine it to a science yet? Last I checked, every kind of father's gonna fuck up the kid just as much." So why not let em fuck themselves up, huh?
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 9:19 PM
"...Yes, they have refined it into a science, more or less. Behavioral scientists have not been sitting around twiddling their thumbs Mr. Wight. You're free to not adhere to suggested procedures, but there is a path here that avoids consequences. A supportive, loving father that spends time with her is all Grace wants. Even without peer-reviewed studies, it's not hard to see that giving a child what they want will placate them."
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"And what? Get them hooked to handouts for the rest of their days?" In this life, everyone’s alone. You can consider this a blessing. No, I can’t say that… Too corny.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 9:32 PM
"You would place raising your child correctly above your own best interests? That's quite noble of you, but I think you'll find nobility and success often stand in opposition. Which would lead one to question whether this is truly nobility, or simple stubbornness. Passing on a family tradition, perhaps?"
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"I got no family traditions worth passing on." Rest in piss, you old bitch.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/13/2023 9:46 PM
"At least, not consciously, I imagine. I'm curious, Mr. Wight, do you have anyone in your life who cares about you? Or has your insistence on avoiding 'handouts' pushed them all away, as it did with your daughter."
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He laughs. Unfortunately for whatever she wants to pull, I’ve still got Sophie. "Are we just gonna play the insult game now?"
9:51 PM
((End session))
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((Saturday))
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He laughs. Unfortunately for whatever she wants to pull, I’ve still got Sophie. "Are we just gonna play the insult game now?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 2:09 PM
"He has Sophie? But... Grace's sister should be in a coma. Does he simply enjoy visiting her that much? I suppose I never asked what Grace's mother is named, if she still has one. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to gather some information, it could even put a bit of pressure on if I were to 'read' what he's thinking of." "Insult? Heavens no, just simple curiosity. You don't seem to agree with my hypothetical situation at all, though. Let me guess, your confidence comes from the existence of Sophie, does it not?"
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"Something like that." How much does this bitch know!?
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 2:26 PM
"And you don't see the irony in that? You denying Grace your love to teach her a lesson, that we're all alone, that we don't receive handouts. And yet you're rewarded with the very thing you deny her. Is she naïve, or are you simply removing her base necessities that you still have the privilege of enjoying?"
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"It's about freedom. That's like... My whole schtick. I'm not forcing anyone to do anything, I just let this all play out. No hypocrisy in the fact I do it better."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 2:49 PM
"Freedom..." Carolyn lets out a small laugh "I don't believe I introduced myself. My name is Carolyn, it's derived from a Proto-Germanic word meaning 'free man'. And yet, I wouldn't exactly describe myself that way. I can't simply walk in a store, and take an item off the shelf without paying, can I?"
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"It’s the American way." He jokes. Carolyn… Doesn’t ring a bell.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:00 PM
"Naturally, the owners of the shop have the freedom to try to stop me, but if I were to successfully make off with the item... should I not have the freedom to do that? The government ultimately decides whose freedom is more important, because that's how it has to work... this world is limited. Not everyone can be happy, nor can everyone be free. Do you see where I'm going, Mr. Wight?"
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"You’re saying there’s a paradox?" Is she a (ableist slur) or something?
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:12 PM
"Perhaps a paradox, or perhaps simply a comfortable lie you tell yourself. You have power in your relationship with Grace, and therefore you get to decide what form it takes. Just like the government has the power to limit any of your freedoms, you limit hers. Because when conflicting desires exist, what matters is not an ideological resolution, but simple societal privilege. If freedom is impossible, is it really worth making such a fuss over?"
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"Survival of the fittest. You ever heard that saying? It doesn’t matter how you set things up, the strong are gonna survive and the weak are gonna die. In this nation, the government and those who know how to game it stay on top as the fittest. In a different environment, it’d just be a different group with that freedom to choose for everyone under them. No matter how you set it up, life's always gonna be about people fighting for their freedoms on different battlefields, physical or mental. In this world, I’d say I’m certainly one of the fittest. So I’ve got every right to do whatever the hell I want to my daughters, or to you, or… To anyone, really. The second you walk out of this room I could have employees kidnap you and drag you into a dark windowless room where no one visits you until you starve to death over the course of… Let’s say a month. The fact I don’t… Is my kindness." If that doesn’t shut her up, I’ve got no clue what will.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:36 PM
"Survival of the fittest..." Carolyn places a finger to her chin for a moment to think. "This is the most stubborn man I've ever met. It makes sense, he didn't voluntarily seek my services, but even if he did, his ideology is reinforced so deeply by his privileged position, I don't know how I'd crack it. As long as this man is around, it will be impossible for Grace to be happy... but I did learn something very important. This man would be happy continuing to exist as he currently does, as one of the 'fittest'. Very well, I'll make sure he does. Doing so here and now would obviously be inadvisable, there were surely security cameras on the way here. I'll discuss this matter with Ethfan." She smiles "I see, thank you for explaining, Mr. Wight. That is all I wished to discuss, thank you for your time."
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Finally. "Anytime."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:38 PM
Carolyn exits his office.
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Ethfan is waiting outside. "How did it go?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:41 PM
"He was unwilling to change, but happy with his life. Which means there's an obvious solution for resolving this matter."
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"I’m not exactly sure that that 'solution' is going to improve anything. You’re just going to reset all of this."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 3:53 PM
Carolyn begins making her way out of the building, to ensure she isn't in earshot of Fredrick "I've talked Grace out of depression over a similar situation, and that's proof I can do it again. The difference is that this time, there will be an obstacle removed from play. I'll make sure she falls back onto someone who is willing to reciprocate her love."
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He follows. "I believe some would find that impossible. One of humanity’s core traits is selfishness. The kind of love you’d need does not exist. No matter who she latches onto, she will be hurt."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 4:34 PM
"Eventually, yes, all things fall apart. But humanity tends to be good at masking that selfishness. A veneer of good nature. Men like Grace's father, who wear it on their sleeve, are not the standard. Given time, she would be hurt by anyone. We simply must not give her time."
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"But we don’t have time, do we? She’s going to catch you and then everything will end in ruin. Think of all the people you intend to… Save. Are you going to throw them all away for her?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 5:43 PM
"...Are you suggesting I kill her before she reaches a state of happiness? It is not off the table, but that is an absolute last resort. I will do what is necessary to ensure the happiness of the most people that I can, but if I were willing to compromise so easily, I'll never make anyone happy. I've survived Detective Scott and Detective James catching onto me, I'm not afraid of one girl."
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"I'm suggesting you come up with a reasonable solution, rather than leaving it up to some unknowable and likely impossible fantasy. Forgive me if I'm overstepping, but it was my understanding you were the expert on keeping things brief."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:10 PM
"I cannot imagine where you got that idea from. I know when it's time to cut things off, but the therapy itself cannot be rushed. Your white suits know that all too well. I rushed the salvation of their families, and... Regardless, I do have something of an alternative suggestion. What is the current status of Lelouch Maoziwam?"
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"I have no idea." He sighed. "But that's completely unrelated. I've told you to focus on Grace before things get out of hand. And things have certainly escalated... Yesterday Sean Niebel tried to kill you. Today, Bob Smith. 2 different detectives suspect you. In my position, I'm sure many would struggle to believe you can do anything competently. However, I'm not going to act rash and assume all is lost. All I'm going to do is to simply remind you to control the 1 threat you can still control before your list of enemies becomes unmanageable."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:25 PM
"I am focusing on Grace. You eavesdropped on my conversation with Lelouch, and thus you know that her perfume could get Fredrick to behave exactly as we need him to. It is what has already lowered my list of enemies from your outdated data, removing Detective James' suspicion. But, for some reason beyond my understanding, you and your people did not remove this asset from Lelouch's possession. I do hope you are not projecting your frustration with your own failure onto me, Mr. Kerloe."
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"I didn't consider taking it." That's a lie. "However, she has Eryn on her side right now. We would lose."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:44 PM
"And what makes you think I intend for a conflict? Last I spoke to her, Lelouch and I were on good terms. Unless you have gone out of your way to inform her that I am currently working with the man who attacked us, I do not see any reason for her to not see me as a friendly face."
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"Fine. But first, we should go see if your coworker has returned. If he has, I doubt he’ll be staying too late."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:52 PM
"An acceptable next step, thank you for the suggestion." Carolyn begins on the route back to the therapy office.
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He follows. It doesn’t take long for them to arrive back.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:57 PM
She is about to enter, but pauses and turns to Ethfan "I'm sure I do not have to inform you, but it has been quite some time since I entered this office without being assaulted. Do be on guard."
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"I’m aware."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 6:58 PM
Carolyn enters.
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Matrick is in the lobby. "Oh- Uh… Hi- Hello." He backs away awkwardly.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/20/2023 7:23 PM
"Hello there, Matrick. It is good to see you again. I do believe we missed one another earlier today."
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"It sure seems like it." He nods. ((End session))
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((No session this week))
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"It sure seems like it." He nods.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 4:43 PM
"So you were here, then? I had assumed so, but it was only just... well, a theory, I suppose. Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you about. I've taken on a man named Bob Smith as a client recently. Have you happened to have the pleasure of running into him?"
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"Oh, him? Is he alright? Because- Because he seemed so mentally unstable. And not for any other reason that I would ask that." (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 4:49 PM
"He's a work in progress, but I believe he can get there. I did actually run into him in a rather odd position earlier today. He greeted me upon exiting from your office. It seems odd form to leave a patient alone like that, don't you think?"
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"I... didn't. He must've just... Gone back in there after I left for a quick break."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 4:56 PM
"My mistake, then. It must have been quite surprising to see your window opened after returning, I'm sure."
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Ethfan runs into the lobby from outside. "Problem."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 4:59 PM
She turns to him "Quite bad manners, Ethfan. I do appear to be in the middle of a conversation, do I not? Regardless, I'm sure you have your reasons. What issue do you wish to inform me of?"
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A woman enters the building with a mask and a gun. She takes off the mask to reveal she's Grace. "I solved it." "...That." Ethfan points at her. Dana Craig walks in behind them.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / nathan-smith
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Bob is being dragged down an alleyway by his legs by this woman. His chest is really sore for some reason, and he can tell there's some kind of paper in his pocket now.
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Sigh. He's done too much. Guess I'll have to intervene.
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No, you won't. This is just getting silly. There are limits to how much confusion and discord you can sow. This has crossed that line. You cannot impersonate me so directly. Rooms are constructed to have 4 walls. Breaking one for no purpose doesn't accomplish anything. Stories like this are valueless, but stumbling around aimlessly in some effort to say something is just offensive. Confusion is not the same as real thought. Thinking is designed to understand more. Confusion is designed to understand less. Why... Are you so much harder to follow than the rest? I seriously question our friendship. Stop doing this. You are not allowed. Consider that your 'intervention'. Naturally, the precise nature of these words are not comprehensible to Bob. He doesn't even feel that they've been said. Instead, he feels a quite distinctive disappointment in himself for ever thinking that would work and never reconsiders the idea under any circumstances.
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"Who.... what..."
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"Are you awake?" She turns around.
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"Yes. I......what happened?...."
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She arrives in front of a truck. "You upset my father."
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"Up... upset?!!! I'm not supposed to upset people!!!!"
7:53 PM
"Was your father ethfan by any chance?"
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"That’s correct." The ages obviously don’t make any sense if this is true.
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"I would have guessed. Just another straw to add to the camels back of my failures...."
7:57 PM
"Was I even supposed to make people happy? Every time I wanted to make a plan, nothing ever good came out of it. It's all just pure nonsense."
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"That’s true. You’re not made for plans."
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"That stupid way to make team nine's youtube count better by making myself an asshole instead of a pathetic loser barely got any mileage out of it....my plan to kill Hav Kerloe to show that I'm strong just like the people who raised me......the plan to kill Carolyn Blythe to make others happy. They never succeded. Were they even grounded in logic in the first place? Would the good outcomes of them outweigh the bad?"
8:02 PM
"Perhaps I really an no more than mentally ill. A undesirable, deserving of being locked up in a mental institution."
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"Yes. Do that. Shut up and get in the truck."
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Bob follows.
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She shuts the door to the truck with Bob inside.
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"What do I even do now?" Bob mutters to himself. "Death is plausible, but everyone deserves a semblance of living. Hav is crazy, but even he has a high paying job, and a brother at the very leasts placates his trust in as a wage slave."
8:08 PM
"Matrick.... I should acknowledge his perspective. It's not like his ideology isn't badly developed, like. If you cling on something so dearly, surely this means you tried on it to make it happen?"
8:09 PM
"Then make them real! Those were your parents, regardless of what the real reality is. In the absence of truth, theories are everything. And if you remember them being real… What makes them less real than anything else. The past… Really only exists in our memories. When you leave this room, whatever you theorize my thought process was will be as real as any other theory. That’s the beauty of uncertainty."
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There’s a gunshot outside.
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"Everyone hates me. But every time I want to atone for this, it makes them suffer more. But I also need a purpose in life, but I can't have that without social interaction. The plan to kill carolyn blythe to make everyone happy really was just a glorified version of me wanting to leave me out of their lives, right? Then so be it! I will do just that!"
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Another gunshot.
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Bob sees Sarah(?) on the seat. "Neat. I don't know what your talking about, like. At all times, but I'm glad you found acceptance in yourself."
8:19 PM
"Sorry about the hug. It must've hurt you pretty badly, huh? Such an incomprehensible fear such as seeing somebody die made me take off to my primal instincts, and I kind of needed someone to squeeze the stress out of." Sarah. (edited)
8:20 PM
"It's fine. Sarah. You don't need to worry about me all that much, ha ha." Bob. (edited)
8:20 PM
"Hows the family doing?" Bob.
8:21 PM
"Dead. Those two gunshots were 'em. Turns out they had some major explaining to do with some scandals." Sarah. (edited)
8:22 PM
"Anyways, you should put on your suit. You've got some entertaining to do soon." Sarah. (edited)
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Gunshots keep firing at faster and faster rates. ((I’m still not here I just need to précise this since you keep typing))
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((LET BOB COOK))
8:24 PM
"You've got a special guest, by the way." Sarah.
8:24 PM
"Who could be at this time?" Bob.
8:25 PM
"Heya. Glad to see you again, I guess. Still holding a grudge about that time you shot me." Jackson. (edited)
8:28 PM
"JACKSON?!!!! IT'S YOU?!!!"
8:29 PM
"Yeah, it is. You guys left me for dead, assholes. Guess you guys are as self-serving as I thought." Jackson.
8:30 PM
"I'm so glad your back...your hugging was scaring me! Why did you do something like that to begin with?!!!"
8:32 PM
"Eh. It wasn't out of anything weird like. Love. Well, it IS love but....." Jackson. (edited)
8:34 PM
Jackson is now shirtless. "Lust." (edited)
8:35 PM
"Bob.... every time I've seen you film, act, whatever, I always enjoyed the pathetic-ness in you. It's always so endearing, cute even." Jackson.
8:35 PM
"Wh...what?!!!!"
8:36 PM
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND BOB?! I'M GAY! I WAS ALWAYS GAY! I... I WAS RESTRICTED BY TEAM NINE TO BE GAY!!!! I....I HUGGED YOU BECAUSE I WAS A RAGING HOMOSEXUAL!!!!!!!!" Jackson. (edited)
8:37 PM
Jackson pins Bob down. "You've been nothing but an object to me. Please, for once in your life, let me see your body."
8:38 PM
"Why... why would you want to see my body?" Bob.
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Gunshots are still going this whole time.
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"I don't know. I just like a man with a. Fuck, Sarah is here, isn't she. Lets get out of here and ride someplace so I can figure this out... with you." Jackson beckons Bob to come out the door.
8:45 PM
"Fuck. Lets just do it outside goddamnit." Jackson.
8:47 PM
Bob takes off his shirt. "Jackson...." Bob leaps out of the truck. (edited)
8:47 PM
OK now he is outside
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Sarah and Ethfan's daughter are shooting at each other constantly and somehow both perfectly dodging every shot. They’re completely synced up.
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"Jackson... where is jackson day?!!!!!!"
8:49 PM
"S-Sarah! Please tell me where Jackson Day is?"
8:49 PM
"I can't I CAN'T LET HIM DIE AGAIN!!!!" Bob takes back his shirt in a panic. (edited)
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"What the hell are you talking about!? Stop losing your fucking mind, you’re destroying my life!" Sarah keeps shooting at the other girl. "Get back in the truck." The other girl keeps shooting at Sarah.
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"1984. Jackson Day does not exist." Sarah.
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Sarah does not say that.
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"Oh hey, Sarah. I guess he really never existed, did he? We found Sam's body in his place." Bob
8:55 PM
"W-WAIT! But if your Sarah, who is that over..."
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"What the hell are you talking about!? Stop distracting me!" Sarah almost gets shot.
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"Don't worry. There's always people trying to impersonate people. People who try to be someone who's not." Sarah.
8:58 PM
"Whoever that Sarah is. She's nothing. She's too far of a flawed image as I am, isn't that right, Bob?"
9:00 PM
"She's fighting to protect you, most likely. That's where the Sarah of over there fails from the Sarah of myself. Don't listen to her."
9:04 PM
"Okay! But! She's still in danger! D-A-N-G-E-R! I still think people need saving!"
9:06 PM
"Murders don't happen out of impulse. The human mind isn't so frail. They happen out of stupidity, sometimes both, but usually from one party. It's best that you ignore her completely. The idea that she would protect someone whos a nobody like YOU, deserves to be presented and to solve their problems they exist themselves."
9:10 PM
"You said yourself that you learned that "People are the protagonists of their own story." So be it! If she wants to live and die for her cause from you, then let her die! It's the same principle that keeps us alive, because we barely give a shit about you Bob, we just like hanging out, y'know?"
9:17 PM
"Ok! But If your the protagonists of your own story, why must you keep on insisting that I have to think a certain way, and just let me, y'know be myself."
9:18 PM
"Because Bob, we are part of you."
9:21 PM
"We don't do this just to further our own gain. We would be real otherwise. We just want you to survive." Jeff Johnner Chuckled. (edited)
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"And of course, wanting to survive and actually caring about you are two different things. Life take drastic measures to survive. Creatures such as crabs and sea stars amputate their own arms in order to not get eaten by a predator or from starfish wasting disease."
9:31 PM
"You said that an ideal family is one that is mundane and boring, one with no conflict? Well there you go? Conflict can also be purely positive, such as people who want to be at your back at all times. We want to remove that, because it will make your happy."
9:32 PM
"Bob? I'm too tired about all this "plot" going on. Lets just go home and sleep."
9:33 PM
"Right... go home... and sleep." Bob walks away form the areas to get back to his house.
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"Yeah, keep running you asshole!" Sarah. The girl blocks your way and aims her gun at you. "Drop your weapon or I shoot him."
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Bob walks home.
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The girl does not let you do that. ((Roll))
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((10))
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Bob cannot move. "Okay, go ahead." Sarah keeps aiming at her. "I’d appreciate the excuse to never have to see him again." The other girl pauses. "That’s… Cruel." She doesn’t say anything further. "What are you waiting for?" Sarah.
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"She's angry because you offended her. Keep moving."
9:45 PM
Bob goes home.
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Bob is still restrained by the other girl. She continues not to shoot him. "Ugh. Figures." Sarah shoots at the girl, hitting her in the shoulder. Ethfan's daughter runs off in a panic. "There. You're welcome. Again." Sarah.
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Bob goes home.
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Sarah keeps following him. "Not a word to me? You're just going to ignore me? Really the pinnacle of mature, aren't you?"
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"What is. What is reality? What is fiction?"
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"What the hell kind of question is that?"
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"Did you hear all of that?"
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"All of what? The gunshots? Yeah, my ears are ringing like hell."
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Oh yeah, Bob put his shirt back on when he got out of the truck shortly after.
9:54 PM
"I see. You didn't hear any of that."
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Bob Smith
"What is. What is reality? What is fiction?"
"Maybe a better question is: Who do I believe in?"
9:55 PM
"If I continue to believe in something, is it even possible at all for me not to hurt people because of it?" (edited)
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"If you expect some shitty typical moral like 'believe in yourself', you're asking the wrong person. I'm not a person who looks for higher convictions. I take it more small-scale. Like when someone ditches me halfway across the state, or when someone attacks me with magic, or when someone goes and makes a giant scene despite me explicitly telling them not to do that. Thanks for that, by the way. Always so much fun to hear Naomi scream her head off at me over the phone."
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"Small-scale?..."
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"Every day things. You can't fix or help everyone, so you can just start by not being the worst to people around you."
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"Do you... do you really think I can start again? After everything I've done?"
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"Honestly? I don't really care. New beginnings aren't something you beg for people to give to you. No one's gonna come by and hand you a lifemap. Anything they do give you is just a lie."
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"I....see."
10:02 PM
"What do you think about ideologies?"
10:04 PM
"Should we be able to battle them? I... I battled your ideology all those days ago.... was it something I should have done?"
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"Battled my... Ideology? Are you talking about our argument yesterday? Ideologies aren't real. It's a bullshit made up word. People believe what they believe, it's not some crazy battle."
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"Believe what they believe......is this why you hugged me, after everything?"
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She stops and looks away. "I was... Jealous. I'm not above that kind of weakness."
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"Should I care that you hugged me? Even after everything....."
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"Why do you care?"
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"When I bring people about their past traumas, usually.... people don't deserve a reward." (edited)
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"Are you an idiot? I... I brought you there! I made you face trauma I made up so you'd agree with me! How the hell are you going to spin that to blame you!?"
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"I did it because... I deserved that!!!! Because I brought up yours!"
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"Stop making this about you! I'm my own person!"
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"This isn't about me!!!! How can it be so self centered if I understand that what I do is wrong?"
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"The self-centered part is that you keep blaming yourself! The world doesn't just revolve around you!"
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"I.......that........."
10:17 PM
"Was everything that I have done up to this point......"
10:18 PM
"No. True altruism can never exist. There is no discernable and definable way of making people happy without pushing some kind of agenda... was I really no better than Carolyn Blythe?...."
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"I don't care."
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"You may be right...I'm thinking about myself, am I."
10:21 PM
"One final question. Do you think I'm mentally ill?"
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"I don't care."
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"I see. The real Sarah... it was you all along!"
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"Of course I am."
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"I should fix my mistakes right now!... The store! Hav's fish store. I have to fix it for Hav Kerloe!"
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"No, we have to go see Naomi right now before she loses her mind with anger."
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"Don't think the battle inside your head is over. As Sarah said, you are mentally ill. She never said anything about you not being so." Ethfan silently resonates within Bob's head. (edited)
10:28 PM
"Sarah's purpose has been the same as ours- to find a way to have you live a life. Us and her's will intertwine soon." Naomi Kidink resonates within Bob's head. (edited)
10:28 PM
Bob goes with Sarah to Naomi's.
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As they walk she turns to him and gives him an apologetic look. "Hey, Bob...?"
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"Yes...."
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"...S- Never mind. Forget it. Just don't screw me over again."
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"Don't worry. I don't care." Bob nervously smiles and walks with Sarah to Naomi's.
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((End session))
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Bob takes the note out of his pocket and reads it.
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'Lay low like you always do. No matter what, do not do anything important. Don't call attention to yourself, and don't go with anyone except me. This includes your customers fish store customers, especially Johnner.'
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"Did you write this note?" Bob says this to Sarah. (edited)
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((End session I'm not doing ANYTHINg more))
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((Saturday))
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"What note?"
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"It's not yours. I'm just stupid, as per usual. It seems to refer to Hav Kerloe."
4:05 PM
"Do you know somebody named "Ethfan Kerloe?"
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"Doesn’t ring a bell."
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"It's a call of prophecy. You believe in "fate" do you?" Ethfan resonates inside Bob's head.
4:14 PM
"Heh-heh. That woman might as well had given it too you. I would want to stay meters away from you too." Johnner resonates inside Bob's head.
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Ehn/PC
"Doesn’t ring a bell."
"It's definitely nothing then." Bob walks with Sarah to their destination. (edited)
4:16 PM
"Actually, do you think this note could be for me?" Bob gives the note to sarah.
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She reads it. "Where did you get this?"
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"From that woman you shot." (edited)
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"Why slip you a note? She could’ve just told you in person."
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"Maybe thats why she gave me a note. So I could read it unattended.....I have to hide this!" Bob shoves the note in his pocket.
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"You literally just showed it to me, Bob."
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"Yes! I know! I....fucked everything again! I....no. This note has nothing to do with my business. Nothing has to be about me. This note, it belongs to anyone but me. I don't own a fish store. I barely interact with Johnner anyways. Let's just."
4:47 PM
Bob tears up the note into pieces.
4:47 PM
"There... that wasn't so bad." Lets go see Naomis.
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They arrived at Kidink Law Offices. Sarah entered the building.
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"I don't think you should have done that. Do you know who you are messing with?" This resonates inside Bob's head. (edited)
4:49 PM
Bob dashes into the building.
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Sarah leads him into Naomi's office. Naomi is sitting at her desk and staring at them, clearly pissed, but she doesn’t say anything yet.
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"........"
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"I’m sorry, I-" Sarah. Naomi just gestures for her to stop and Sarah stops talking. "Close the door."
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Bob closes the door.
4:57 PM
What will they say... what will they say about my situation? Bob can be referring to both his inner thoughts and Naomi. (edited)
5:00 PM
To be more normal. To not piss anyone off. That's what I have to... that's what I have to believe.
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"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?" Naomi. "I gave you one job, Sarah. Watch over this delusional lunatic and keep him out of trouble. What did you do…? You set him free and then you left him on his own!" "I have a life of my own! I’m not your daughter! I can’t just babysit him forever!" Sarah. "Then why did you go get him in the first place!?" Naomi. Sarah doesn’t answer.
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"I didn't murder him. I didn't murder sam. we found a body, that was true. But it wasn't anyone we knew that well!"
5:04 PM
"He was a Team Nine member. I vaguely knew them."
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Naomi turns to Bob. "You be quiet! You are nothing but a liability to everyone around you. You should be happy you’re not tied to a chair right now!" "Naomi, we’re sorry. Okay? It won’t happen again." Sarah. "He tried to murder someone! And almost got himself captured! That’s not… That’s not some minor error, that’s inexcusable. And it was your job to keep him away from that!" Naomi.
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"Do you know why I had to cheat and lie to get to this point! I always thought that it was my fault that things happened this way. That Sam's disappearance and my job to find him was because of me. That's why I had to tell you that I murdered him. But things don't work like that, do they? What I have done to Sam was absolutely irredeemable, I get that. But you can't just find a singular scapegoat for everything and anything. No."
5:12 PM
"I. No. We trap our selves in this horrid cycle of misery going through the same motions over and over again and solving nothing. It's because you, Naomi, have kept us stuck in this and made us feel terrible about ourselves!" (edited)
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"You tried to kill someone and pretended to murder my son! Don’t you dare pin the blame on me!" Naomi.
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"You don't care about Sam! You keep trudging on this tug of war of a relationship for what? A mother's duty? There is no such thing as a mother's duty. There is no such thing as a mother that isn't ingrained in the awful sexism and other horrid roles people push themselves into, even if its something they're not."
5:17 PM
"I should know.... I thought you as a mother... and I harassed you because of it."
5:22 PM
"People aren't defined by a devotion to one thing and nothing else... people are more than just... objects! Look at the people around you! If you truly were a "mother" to your cause, would you have seen the people around you and realizes that there's us, while no where close to a son we could have ever been, care about you in some way? I think finding a missing person is an inherently benevolent cause.....I can't just tell you to cease the operation. But you can't just continue to see the forest for the trees! You can't just be entitled to treat other people like dirt and feel like you deserve your son back. A son that hates you anyways!"
5:24 PM
"Do you know what I think this entire operation has been! All but a matter of pride. It's the same vein that keeps you from making yourself look like a lawyer when both of us know that your nothing but a crook. A goon. Have you ever even lawyered in your life? How can people want to keep parts of themself, if they can't even earn that to begin with?"
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"Are you done?" Naomi.
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"You know what? I'm tired of thinking that I'm inclined to stay with you because I am obligated to do so. That this is brownie points for the key to happiness or whatever goes on in my head. If I want to find Sam! I'll find him on my own terms. I quit!" Bob throws a chair directly at Naomi. (edited)
5:28 PM
((2))
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It misses. Sarah immediately tries to pin him down. ((Roll))
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((16))
5:30 PM
"I assure you Sarah. You should quit before it's too late. But it's not my problem anymore."
5:31 PM
"I assure YOU, that was barely normal at all. So much for that, huh?" This resonates inside Bob's head.
5:32 PM
".........."
5:34 PM
"No. No. No. Fuck you. FUCK you. I will believe whatever I want to believe. Not... not by my own head or somebody else. MY own body."
5:35 PM
"Talking to yourself is a form of delusion. Talking to yourself can be connected to a lot of mental illnesses, such as-"
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Bob is not caught. "Are you insane? Ugh, why am I even asking at this point...? She's one of the most skilled lawyers there is! She could destroy us." Sarah. "Well... There goes your last chance for me to handle this peacefully." Naomi stands up. "For what it's worth, I already know where my son is. And your insults... Well, they're far from striking the mark. I'm not a crook, as much as I may be an opportunist. I'm not a mother because someone forced me to be. I chose to be one. Like I choose everything in my life. This is who I am. The legendary lawyer Naomi Kidink. And I assure you... As in control of your life as you may think you are... I don't take these kinds of insults lightly. This is my duty as me." She straightened up her suit. "Now get out of my office."
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"If I am mentally ill, I'm glad to know I have some who suffers just like me. I hope you get help soon." Bob leaves the office and slams the door.
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"Bob!" Sarah runs after him.
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"If you need me, I'm going back to Matrick's."
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"I have no idea who that is."
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"He should be around Carolyn's offices. We went there, remember? If you want to travel with me, be my guest."
5:42 PM
Bob goes to Matrick's office
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"Are you trying to kill her again? Really?"
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"This will be a normal therapy session with Matrick... like normal people do."
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"Can't you go... Elsewhere?"
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"...Maybe its for the best if I don't see Ethfan and Carolyn again. I won't like what happens."
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"Yeah. No kidding." She facepalms. "I'm surprised Naomi didn't kill us right then and there."
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"Well killing us probably would have made the situation worse for her. She WOULD have been a crook right then and there."
5:50 PM
"........I guess I should check out the wreck at Kerloe's fishery."
5:52 PM
Bob goes there.
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As Bob goes to leave, he hears Johnner's voice yell out from behind. "Bob Smith! There you are!"
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"...What do you want."
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As Bob Smith turns around, he notices a strange person next to Johnner who's head is entirely covered in bandages aside from his eyes. They're wearing a white suit. ((Making the channel now))
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((Bandages?!!!!!)
5:57 PM
((HOLY FUCK))
5:58 PM
((IM GHOING RTO MEET ????)
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Bob Smith BOT 5/13/2023 7:06 PM
go here
"Jeff, what the hell is this. Have you given me a mummy to go along with my daddy?" Bob snorts.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / bob-and-unknown
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"Jeff, what the hell is this. Have you given me a mummy to go along with my daddy?" Bob snorts. (edited)
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:00 PM
"You know Jeffrey?"
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"Just call me Johnner." Johnner. "Bob, get behind me." The woman takes out a gun.
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???
"You know Jeffrey?"
"Well, yeah. He's my "boss." Though one of the folks around at team nine shot me and ended my career."
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:02 PM
I ignore the gun. "Oh. Is it true that you have magic powers?"
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Bob gets behind Sarah. "Who are you aiming at Sarah?"
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???
I ignore the gun. "Oh. Is it true that you have magic powers?"
"No. Anything I said beforehand about "powers" was a matter of delusion...it's nothing to be talked about...." (edited)
6:03 PM
"What's your name exactly?"
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"The crime boss just casually approaching you? After ditching Naomi, you can’t seriously think this is going to go well." Sarah. "Correct you are! This is gonna go pretty horribly for you." Johnner hands ??? a gun.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:04 PM
I grab the gun and look at Bob Smith. "We just want to take you in. It's not a problem."
6:04 PM
"My name is Marco Gould!"
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"Your not going to rope me into your bullshit again, Johnner. I'm going to give it up and-"
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:05 PM
"And what?"
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"Toooollld you. That letter was DEFINITELY for your sake." Bob sees Johnner behind him.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:06 PM
"...What are you talking about?"
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"Fuck! Bob. Make like a Sentasaurus and fly! Here's the costume." Bob sees Sarah behind him.
6:07 PM
"No! NO! None of you are real. Just get out of my life and let me solve this."
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((For note ??? does not see Bob's hallucinations of other people))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:08 PM
((ah. that makes sense))
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((??? can definitely hear Bob says these things though unless I say otherwise))
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Johnner takes out his own gun and shoots at Sarah.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:10 PM
I shoot at her too, and better.
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"...................."
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((Roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:10 PM
((1))
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"Aaaaannnnd she's dead. just like that. oops."
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??? misses entirely. Johnner hits her in the shoulder, causing her to drop her gun. "How’s that for a shot?" Johnner laughs. "Run!" Sarah starts running away.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:12 PM
I shoot her again.
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((Roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:13 PM
((16))
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"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
6:13 PM
Bob runs away as fast as he can.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:14 PM
I shoot twice aiming at Bob's legs.
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Bob dodges.
6:15 PM
"What the FUCK are you doing? Look at your suit! Can't you fly?"
6:15 PM
"That's.... THAT'S RIGHT! I CAN FLY! I CAN FLY!"
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Bob cannot, in fact, fly.
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???
((16))
It misses.
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???
I shoot twice aiming at Bob's legs.
((Roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:16 PM
((8))
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"I'm.... I'M FLYING!!! I REALLY AM FLYING!" Bob visualizes the ground beneath him becoming a city."
6:17 PM
Bob is still running, for note.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:17 PM
I run after him.
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"I can see the stars... they're beautiful... BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!"
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Johnner does not follow.
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Bob is still running he's just pretending the sidewalk is space.
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((Both of you roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:18 PM
((16))
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((15))
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??? catches up to them. Sarah tries to tackle them.
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"WHAT!!!! NO WAY!!! THEY CAN FLY TOO!"
6:24 PM
"IF YOU KNOW ONE THING ABOUT ME, I'M THE BOMB! AYAYAYAYAYAYAYAI!"
6:24 PM
Bob punches ??? in the throat.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:25 PM
I try to tackle Bob too. (edited)
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((Both of you roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:25 PM
((17))
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((10))
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Bob does not punch ???. ??? tackles Bob successfully. Sarah tackles ??? successfully. They’re stuck together in a pile now.
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Bob attempts to explode.
6:29 PM
"No. NO! I'm... I'm normal....?"
6:29 PM
"Normal people... DON'T exlpode. Normal people... DON'T explode."
6:29 PM
Bob attempts to escape.
6:30 PM
"NORMAL! PEOPLE! DON'T! EXPLODE! NORMAL! PEOPLE! DON'T! EXPLODE!"
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:30 PM
I try to rip off Bob's legs.
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askcjha C
6:30 PM
acha f
6:30 PM
qawjfrakwfq wf
6:30 PM
qfjkwqf
6:30 PM
wqj qw
6:30 PM
qwf jq
6:30 PM
f
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???
I try to rip off Bob's legs.
This doesn’t work.
6:31 PM
Sarah starts strangling ???.
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Bob runs.
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Bob is still under ???.
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Bob strangles ??? with Sarah.
6:32 PM
Bob tries to escape.
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((Roll))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:33 PM
I try to shoot Sarah.
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((14))
6:39 PM
"I need to solve my own problems." (edited)
6:39 PM
If Bob escapes, he will strangle ???. Otherwise he will escape again. (edited)
6:40 PM
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!!" He says this to ???
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Bob gets out of the pile and strangles ???. ??? cannot shoot from this position. "You lose, you bastard!" Sarah.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:43 PM
I try to strangle Sarah back.
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Bob strangles ??? harder.
6:43 PM
"I WILL KILL YOU!"
6:43 PM
"I WILL NOT BE AFRAID ANYMORE!"
6:44 PM
"I WILL BE NORMAL! I WILL BE NORMAL!"
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"Game over." Johnner arrives and aims a shotgun point blank at Sarah. "Let him go before I kill her."
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Bob attempts to snap ???'s neck.
6:45 PM
"GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE!" Johnner is crouching next to Bob.
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Sarah puts her hands in the air. Bob fails to snap ???'s neck. Johnner slams him in the face with the shotgun, knocking him back.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 6:46 PM
I continue trying to strangle Sarah.
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Bob attmpets to strangle ??? some more.
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"I’m serious, Bob! I’m gonna shoot her if you don’t back up right now!" Johnner. "Bob, I swear to god if you get me killed I’m going to haunt you for eternity!" Sarah.
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Bob attempts to strangle ??? some more.
6:49 PM
"I don't care what happens around me. This isn't a story."
6:49 PM
"You're going to kill someone for real if you don't let go Bob!" Sarah is next to ??? crouching next to Bob. (edited)
6:50 PM
"None of you... none of you are real! You're just pushing an agenda for me to submit to you!"
6:50 PM
"Your no better than Matrick!"
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"What the hell does that even-?" Sarah is interrupted by police sirens. Johnner tries to pull the trigger, but freezes up at the sirens. "Now of all times, Howard!?" Sarah uses this opportunity to fight him for the shotgun.
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"But Bob, I am a real therapist."
6:52 PM
"SHUT UP MATRIIICCCCKkKKKK!!"
6:52 PM
Bob strangles ??? harder.
6:53 PM
"The mentally ill serial killer is a trope in fiction where-"
6:53 PM
Bob strangles ??? harder. (edited)
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Johnner lets go off the gun and tackles Bob off of ???. "Get out of here, Marco! Howard’s even nuttier than this guy."
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Bob grabs ???'s leg.
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((Roll))
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((7))
6:55 PM
Bob uses his OTHER hand to grab ???'s leg.
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((Pichuis, roll too))
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 7:01 PM
((8))
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???'s legs are not caught.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 7:02 PM
I get up and try to shoot Bob's legs again.
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Johnner takes ???'s gun. "Come on, I told you we have to go!"
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Bob attempts to use his hands to grab ???'s leg.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 7:04 PM
"But what about the mission? I can do this!"
7:05 PM
I run away from Bob.
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Johnner follows. ((Channel split))
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Bob Smith BOT 5/13/2023 7:08 PM
go here
Sarah points the shotgun at them as they run away. "Put the weapon down!" Two police officers approach and take out their guns.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / nathan-smith
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Sarah points the shotgun at them as they run away. "Put the weapon down!" Two police officers approach and take out their guns.
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"Sarah. I did it I'm normal! I'm normaller than anyone else in the whole wide world!"
7:07 PM
Bob runs.
7:08 PM
"I can't say I really care about your cop murder streak."
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A cop tazes Bob, causing him to fall over. "Hey! We’re the good guys, here! Jeff Johnner went that way!" Sarah. "We know who you are, Sarah Stanley. He’s under arrest for the bombing of Kerloe Fishery. And you… You’re under arrest for the murder of Jackson Day." A cop tazes her as well.
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"No, no. You don't understand. Sarah tried to murder me. In truth, I am Jackson Day."
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They taze Bob again, knocking him unconscious.
7:14 PM
Bob wakes up handcuffed in the back of a prison truck. Sarah is sitting across from him, handcuffed.
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"I'll just make up a prison gang and break out. I'll make some good friends over there that way."
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Sarah stares at him with silent rage.
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"It's insane that you tried to kill me."
7:19 PM
"I was just minding my own business, but nooooooo!"
7:21 PM
"People change, you know? The only person who hasn't changed, is you."
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"I never tried to kill you, asshole!"
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"You HELD me at gunpoint while I was injured and on the floor!"
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"When did that happen?"
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"Ah... nevermind. You wouldn't get it. Things mean different things to other people."
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"I am so done with your nonsense… Sending me to prison is the last straw!" The truck stops.
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"You treat people like tools, and yet its my fault you're in prison?"
7:26 PM
"You reminds me of this delusional team nine member named "Bob Smith". He's an asshole."
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"Agreed!" The doors open and a guard drags Sarah out of the vehicle.
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"See you asshole." (edited)
7:28 PM
I talk to the policeman. "So what about me?"
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"You’re coming too." He drags Bob out of the car. "Oh, and… Naomi Kidink asked me to tell you this is all because of her."
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"What is it?"
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He dragged Bob into the prison.
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"What did Naomi tell you?"
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“I already told you." He unhandcuffed Bob and approached a cell. "Prisoner, your cellmate is here."
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"That its all because of her?.... yeesh. Barely even known the girl."
7:35 PM
Jackson looks at the cellmate. (edited)
7:38 PM
"So, who are you and what did you do?..."
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There are 2 prisoners in the cell. One of them is Grobber Brentwood, and the other looks like this. ((Channel switch))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / grobber-brentwood
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Grobber wakes up in his cell the next morning.
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"....I'm hungry!" He weakly wails.
2:11 PM
They must not've heard him. "I'm hungry!"
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All cell doors in the block open up for morning.
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He gulps, then lets his mouth hang open as he walks outside his cell door into the hallway.
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"Gooood morning, TF!" IO runs straight towards you.
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"O-oh shit." He looks at Ideology. "Y-you know, eh... I don't. I don't have anybody else h- like, nobody else here would want to talk to me. I'm not really in high demand. You don't have to l-l- You don't have to be so excited."
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"Whaaaaat? Don't think so lowly of yourself! The Fungus is the most legendary criminal we've had in years! I called dibs so I've gotta make sure no one steals you away from me! Haha-Ha! Witness the power of Ideology Overdrive!"
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Grobber shrugs. "Well Ideology, you can c-c-color me impressed, I guess." He rubs his back. "I don't know how I'm supposed to sleep here every day... last night was awful."
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"Impressed? No, that's not a color at all!" He laughs in a deranged manner. "Good joke."
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"..." He rubs his eyes and then smiles at him. "Heh, thanks Ideology."
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"Haha-Ha! Score another point for team Ideology! Now come on, you're gonna be last in line!" He runs off towards what is presumably the cafeteria.
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Grobber runs (or at least tries his best to run) after Ideology. "H-hey! Wait up!"
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"Last one there's a rotten fungus!" IO. They arrive at the cafeteria and he quickly gets in line.
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Grobber tries to get in line behind Ideology. "Oh- oh shit... oh- oh no..." He starts frantically looking around, nervous.
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This man is standing in front of them in line. He turns around towards them in clear disgust. "Are you fucking serious?"
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"Wh-whh-wh-wh-wh" Grobber begins to slink down to the floor, hyperventilating. "H-h-h-h...hiiiiiii..." (edited)
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"CR! Lucky running into you here!" IO. "So you've already affected him, I see." CR ignores IO.
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Grobber gets in the fetal position and starts whining loudly. "Stooooooooop......... stawwwwwwwwwwwp!!!!!!!!!"
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"Hey! Get up, TF! CR's just messing around!" IO. "I am not. Do not ever speak to me. And don't call me CR, either." CR. "Our days as allies are long over. I am Clyde Reaction. A normal name befitting a normal person."
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Grobber stands up, and then walks directly towards Clyde, stopping only inches away from him. "OH YEAH!!?!?! YOU GONNA SAY THAT!?!??! WELL GUESS WHAT!!!! FUCK YOU!!!!!" He starts screaming. "STOOOOOOOP!!!!!! STOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!! STOPPPP!!!!"
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Clyde doesn't flinch. "Get out of here." "But we'd starve! Come on, CR... Have a little respect for your old mates!" IO. "Successfully quarantining a disease often brings about a lot of death, whether mental or physical. But those are unavoidable deaths, in service of eradicating your diseased brains from the planet." Clyde.
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"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!! STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!" Grobber begins to take seconds in between every screech to massage his throat and gasp for air, but he continues screaming at Clyde.
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Clyde covers his ears. "Come on! Go get him TF!" IO.
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Grobber starts to cry. "STOOOOOOOOOOP!!!! STOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!" Grobber's minor lisp gets more extreme, and saliva droplets fly from Grobber's mouth onto Clyde.
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The line advances enough for Clyde to get his food. He very quickly runs away from Grobber. "Woooohooo! You showed CR who's boss!" IO cheers.
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Grobber continues crying, but his frown turns into a smile. "I-I did?"
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"Yeah! You totally intimated the crap out of him! I bet he's gonna go cry to his dead mommy! Maybe even a living one! I dunno his parent situation!" IO laughs confidently.
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"Woah! Yeah!" He joins Ideology in line. "Heh... yeah! Take that, Clyde Reaction."
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"The TAP alliance is unstoppable!" IO takes his food and hurries to a table.
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Grobber approaches whoever is giving out the food. Tears stream down his face, he has a grotesque grin, and his breathing is frantic. He nervously holds out his hands.
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There's trays with shitty looking prison food.
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He takes the tray. Is it really that easy?
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It is.
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He sighs and sits next to Ideology. (edited)
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Ideology is sitting at a table with Little Man. "Good morning." LM. "No, it's a great morning!" IO.
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"Where's that other girl?"
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"The girls are in a different block. We've got special permission though, so I'll take you there later. Ooh! And you can meet SM! SM's the coolest. You'll love them." IO. "I'll be working out in the gym if you want to talk. That's what I do every day." LM. "Ah, the pride of a boxer!" IO.
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"I've never been good at exercising... I did t-ball as a kid, but I never made the baseball team after that." His eyes go to Ideology. "Special permission? H-how did you get that?"
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"Extortion!" IO. "Pretty sure the warden's scared of us." LM.
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"W-why?" He looks at LM. "Was there some kind of... mistake?"
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"What do you mean?" LM.
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"I'm just surprised. Why scared of TAP? We're all in jail."
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"FB, DC, and EL are still out there!" IO. "And, as the protector of this group, my muscles pose a pretty big threat to this prison. That's why I gotta keep working out." LM. (edited)
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"Huh. They must be terrified, then, if they're letting us all communicate. Huh, and for people that hate you, too... Well, it's better than nothing." He keeps eating.
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"Clyde has special permissions too, but he refuses to use them." LM.
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"What a wet blanket! Right, Ideology? Right?"
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"Yeah! You get it! CR's such a bore!" IO.
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"Hahahahahhaha!" He's clearly delighted. "Yeah!" He smiles and wipes his face. "Hmmm... What do you usually do every day, Ideology?"
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"Hang out with my besties! I've got a growing army of them, even if they don't wanna be one!" IO. (edited)
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"That's... that's kind. You know, this place isn't half bad."
4:08 PM
"I'm just worried I'll get bored... and that the withdrawal will kill me. Hahaha... ha...."
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"Nothing gets past the power of the human spirit! That's Ideology!" IO. "SM could probably smuggle some in for you if needed." LM.
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"Wow..." He scratches at his arm. "In prison too." He gulps. "You guys really are the best... I'm... I'm so lucky! H-haha..."
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"Haha-Ha!" IO.
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"...Where were people like you outside?"
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"Prison! That's where they put all the cool people they can!" IO.
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"Yeah." He looks around at the people around him. "You all, everyone, even Clyde... it just like. I don't know. It's kinda stupid, but it makes sense.... He-heh... I've got some friends to hang out with again..."
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"Grobber Brentwood! You have a visitor!" A guard calls out to him.
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"Oh! Oh! That's- that's me!" He jumps up and walks over to the guard.
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The guard leads him into the visiting room. Jeff Johnner is sitting on the other side of the glass. (edited)
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"!"
4:24 PM
"Oh! It's... it's you..."
4:24 PM
"Hi!"
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"Hello." He waves. "So you're The Fungus, huh?"
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"Oh! Erm..." He looks around for any cameras in the room.
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There is a camera.
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He looks at Jeff. "There are certain... allegations... I can certainly say I'm involved in an organization that some people might call... The Fungus. Ahem."
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"...Heh. Gotta say, of all people, I didn't expect you to be the one they named. Goes to show... Destiny works in mysterious ways."
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"...Why have you been following it? The Fungus, I mean. Did it get picked up on your radar, or something? Haha..."
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"Everything's on my radar, in a way. But if it's praise you're looking for, I can give that too."
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"Oh. Ehem, I don't need that, heheheh... It's not as if I'm in prison justly. You know. I'm just surprised. You're the first person to visit me. You. You!"
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"...I had time."
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"Well I.. I... okay. Yeah. Thanks, hahaha..."
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"So? You got some kind of plan? A grand comeback to put the idea of the Fungus on everyone's minds?"
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"...My story's o-o-over, right? I mean... I'm just. I'm in jail. I can't... I'm imprisoned."
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"...Huh? Really?"
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He looks around himself, then slumps in his chair a little bit. "I'm like t-the rat in a cage... heheh... y'know? You've never been to jail, have y-you?"
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"I have enough connections to keep myself out."
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"Well, you can consider yourself lucky... whatever happens. To be honest Johnner... I don't think I'll be here forever, no matter how much I want to be. Whatever's going on in Avengard... it's not done with me."
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"To be honest... I'm not really sure you had anything to do with what's going on in town."
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He looks at Jeff with a faraway stare. "Have you been visited by the cat that gives people powers?"
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"I'm sorry the... What?"
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"Hmm... maybe it looks like you know less than I thought you do... The cat." He shakes his head. "I know you know some of what's going on. But you don't know all of it. There's this... giant, intertangled mess involving the mob, and Gus Amon, and Shuichi Maoziwam, and money heists, and TAP, and the Wights, and Subway, and... Augh. It's just a mess."
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His expression turns strangely distant. "You know... about Gus?"
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"Know him? I've met him! He fucked me, he did! He stole millions from m-me! That asshole! He's an asshole! Asshole!"
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"He fucked you?"
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"He f-fucked me over... yknow... turn of phrase."
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"Oh..." He looks away. "So... Wait... You mean that money was yours?"
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"Mostly. I was the kind stranger, he took all my reddit gold."
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"I'm not familiar with the metaphor."
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"All my apes, gone."
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"What?"
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"He stole all my money! Literally every cent I owned, he took it all! All funneled away to some Shuichi Maoziwam."
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"Ah. Yeah, that was... Us."
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"That was you!?!?!? What the FUCK!?"
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"You don't know who I am?"
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"You're Jeff Johnner, and I presumed you were some form of justice, but I guess I was wrong!"
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"I'm at the top of the pyramid, only below my boss."
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"..." He sighs. "I presume there's no way I'm getting any of that back, huh."
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"Well, I'd say it's unlikely. And rather problematic for us at this point."
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"That sucks, buddy.... That just. It really sucks. Fuck!"
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"Tell you what... I like your style. I'll do you a small favor."
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"Really? You got any drugs?"
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"No. No drugs. Do you have a lawyer?"
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"A lawyer? No, I haven't thought about that, eh-heh..."
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"Naomi Kidink. She's the best one in town."
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"Gotcha. They've not been too respectful of my civil liberties, haha... so, I'll... I'll try to contact them. I'm sure Grace will contact her."
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"Alright. Is that all, then? I'd say I've covered everything."
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"...Why'd you come and see me. You had time, but why make the trip? For real."
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"I told you. I like your style."
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"Thanks." He swallows. "I appreciate it."
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He gets up and leaves.
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"..."
5:33 PM
"Is there any way I could contact a lawyer?"
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The guard doesn't answer.
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"...Should I go ask Ideology to ask you to get me a lawyer?"
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The guard doesn't answer.
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Grobber walks away from the room.
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Grobber arrives back in the general section. IO runs up to him.
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Grobber looks at IO. "Sorry, a criminal associate of mine wanted to speak with me: Jeff Johnner."
5:41 PM
"I really should be getting a lawyer soon, huh."
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"Oh... You know JJ? He doesn't actually have that title it's just a matter of consistency." IO
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"Everybody in this shitty town knows each other..." Grobber looks out in the distance, attempting to conjure up some badass persona. "...But yeah, I know JJ. Kinda. I would say I'm one of his 'witnesses' and maybe one of his 'victims' but maybe not really a 'friend.' So I guess 'associate' is the best word."
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"Anyway, you gotta meet the rest of TAP? Wanna start with SM or the girls?"
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"Oh, there are other girls! Ehm. I could do either, although Little Man said SM could help me with my... condition... let's see them first."
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"Alright!" IO heads into a Guard Only area.
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Grobber follows, smiling. "Oh. Guards only, heh... maybe we shouldn't be here..."
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"I can be anywhere I want!" IO enters the solitary confinement section of the prison.
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Grobber follows IO.
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This man is led out of that section by guards as Grobber and IO enter. IO ignores him.
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Grobber silently waves hi to the man.
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He doesn't react.
6:00 PM
IO arrives in front of a cell.
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Grobber looks into the cell. "Uhhh... SM? It's me... The Fungus."
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SM is in the cell. "..."
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"...I'm one of IO's friends... You know IO, right?" He nervously looks at IO.
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"SM! This is our new member! TF!" IO. "TF… You… Ah, you must be the famous Fungus." SM speaks in a creepy and offputting tone.
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"Famous? I wouldn't... I wouldn't call myself famous... I'm just... yeah. Yeah I'm the Fungus."
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"Fame is subjective." SM. "Nah, he’s more famous than Jesus in my book!" IO. "That would be the definition of subjective." SM. "Haha-ha! You’re so funny, SM!" IO.
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"Why... why are you in solitary, SM? This sucks!'
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They don’t answer. "They like to keep that stuff ambiguous. It’s their cool unique quirk!" IO.
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"...Woah. R-raw.."
6:14 PM
"That's crazy."
6:14 PM
"...So, how did you meet the rest of TAP?"
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"People like us are drawn together like gravity!" IO. "That’s certainly one interpretation of it. What do you think, Fungus?" SM.
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"Well, unless you met each other in jail, I think you all worked together in some kind of project."
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"He already told you that, did he?" SM.
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"But I don't know how people find each other. Did you use a... friendship app? To meet friends?"
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"Do you believe in destiny? Or some kind of greater calling?" SM. "Nothing’s greater than the human spirit!" IO. "That’s nice, IO." SM. IO smiles like a child on his birthday.
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"I believe in the Fungus. I think The Fungus knows what's happening to me, and at least has a hand in it."
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"Aren’t you the fungus?" SM. "It’s a little thing called believing in yourself!" IO.
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"And yet Jesus believed in the Lord above, and they both believed in the holy spirit, did they not? Faith is complicated. The Fungus is beyond all of us individually, and yet it can only exist through us."
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SM laughed sinisterly. "Ah… I see you’ll fit right in with them."
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"No- it's not like. I'm not-"
6:32 PM
"...Oh my god."
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"What's up?" IO.
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"N-nothing." He laughs. "Just had a minor realization, ahem. Aren't you one of the group, just like any of us, SM?"
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"That's right. I have no intent to feign superiority like CR." SM.
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"And you have... contact with the outside, right?"
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SM doesn't answer.
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"...I have... a drug addiction. To a lot of them. A lot."
6:37 PM
"Ehm..."
6:37 PM
"Sorry. I can't ask for things, heheh..."
6:37 PM
"Can't ask for a lawyer, can't ask for drugs. It's all the same, I guess."
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"Why would I help you with that?" SM.
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He goes blank in the face. "I'll do anything. Do you want... what do you want? I'll give you literally anything. Do people... do people trade kidneys in jail? You can have a kidney..."
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"I don't have any use for a kidney." SM.
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His voice becomes more hushed. "Do I... do I have to do a gang thing? Do you want me to kill someone?"
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They laugh. "I appreciate the creativity. Why not leave it at a favor? Someday you'll owe me, Fungus. Isn't that nice?"
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"...Sure. Okay. Yeah." He nods.
6:44 PM
"Thank you so much... SM."
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"Haha-Ha! Ideology success! You've both hit it off so well!" IO.
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Grobber scratches at his neck. "Y-Yeah. You have... your ideology has succeeded. Congratulations. heh-heh..."
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IO starts laughing with Grobber.
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Grobber starts laughing too, in full force to be in unison with IO.
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IO keeps laughing. SM does not.
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After about 10 seconds, Grobber will start coughing and hacking. "How's solitary treating you?"
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They don't answer.
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"Cool, cool..."
6:53 PM
"Are you passionate about ambiguity?"
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"Ambiguity... Is only a small part of what I stand for." SM. IO finally stops laughing.
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Grobber shrugs. "I think people generally only get the highlights of a thing at any given time. If I'm trying to get somebody to think something, I usually have to make it pretty obvious for them."
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"It's not my time to be the highlight yet. You can let the rest of TAP fight for that role for now." SM. "Wow! So ominous!" IO cheers.
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"You're lucky you can be the highlight of anything. Only a few people get to be artists. Everybody else is just material."
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"Haha-Ha! What a great ideology! The underdog argument is always the most powerful!" IO.
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"Yeah? I'm glad you liked it, IO." He stands up. "I think I can be done here. I'll see you later, SM. I hope this next draught of nothing treats you as well as any ever have."
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SM doesn’t say goodbye. "So, next is the girls, right?" IO.
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He nods at IO. "Sure looks like it!" He dusts himself off.
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IO leaves the solitary confinement section. They pass by the same man as earlier, returning to his cell.
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Grobber waves at him again.
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The man ignores him again.
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That's what he figured would happen.
7:17 PM
As he passes out of earshot, he'll ask IO. "Who is that guy?"
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"Oh, that's EB. The Edlightenment guy."
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"E-excuse me?"
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"You heard of him?"
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"No, I've never heard of... Ed."
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"I didn't say that was his name. Aha! Aren't you surprised by my intellectual capabilities?"
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"Nah, you're the smartest guy I know, IO."
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"Haha-Ha! So true!"
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"I can't believe you can freely pass to the women's campus. Going into solitary- it's like nobody even cared."
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"It's the benefit of being evil AND morally pure!"
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"I guess you could call it that..." He follows IO. "It's strange, it feels like nobody else has even looked at me outside your crew."
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"Obviously they don’t wanna get in trouble with us!" IO led him into the women’s section.
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He looks around. How does it look in comparison to the men's section?
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It looks roughly the same.
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"Ideology, how old are you?"
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"I lost track."
7:49 PM
He’s definitely on the younger side, at least.
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"Are you an orphan?"
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"Huh? You wanna know about the great Ideology Overdrive?"
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"Yeah, man. Like. I dont know. Do people care about this kind of stuff in prison?"
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"I would hope so!"
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"Then yeah, dude, like. Like I'm kind of just taken aback by you, dude. You're a weird little character."
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"Haha-Ha! I take that as a compliment!" IO Kyoko runs up to them. "You're here. Where I am. This is where I stay."
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"Yeah, because you're a girl. We met SM just now. What a funny little guy."
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"SM isn't interesting. They never talk about themselves or why they do what they do or what you should think about them. Not like me. I do that. I've even explained that I do that on purpose." Kyoko. "Where's RF? She needs to meet the new guy!" IO.
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"Yeah, you did do that Kyoko. Say, what do you do all day?"
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"I talk about myself. People are really complicated, me especially, so I never run out of things to say." Kyoko.
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"I feel like the first little bit you learn about someone can go a long way. But I'm glad you have a hobby, at least."
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"What was that first little bit? What did you first learn about me? What stuck out to you? Feel free to extrapolate. I love hearing analysis and explaining why it's wrong. That's another hobby I have." Kyoko. "I think you're a good friend and a grand old pal!" IO. "That's not true. I wouldn't describe myself like that. I talk to you because you talk to me and I like talking." Kyoko. "See how good of friends we are? I let her do her hobby on purpose!" IO. "This isn't about you. Stop talking about what you did." Kyoko.
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"Well, LM and IO were doing most of the talking then, so it was difficult to get a sense of you during the discussion. I remembered that what you did say, it was mostly about yourself, and justifications for why you talk about yourself."
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"That's true. I do do that." Kyoko.
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"Why do you do that?"
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"So that you know about me in the specific way I want you to. And so that you think I was one of the important people you met."
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"Interesting. So you're the reason why everyone got put in jail?"
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"Yes, that was me." Kyoko.
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"How'd that happen?"
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"I sent out as much information about me to police databases as I possibly could." Kyoko. (edited)
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"Oh, cool." He nods. "Yeah, that's not. That's not what happened to me."
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"Where's RF, though? They've gotta meet!" IO. "Stop asking about her. She doesn't matter. She's so annoying." Kyoko.
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"I don't know, I'm sure she won't be too bad. Everybody in here seems so detached from bullshit. It's refreshing."
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"No, she's so annoying. She makes everything about her. It's like she can't ever think about anyone but herself. And she's soooo confident that she's the most important person ever. It's insane. She doesn't even have anything to say." Kyoko. "He wouldn't understand just from your words. You gotta show him!" IO. "Fine." Kyoko heads towards a prison cell. "Manipulation success! Witness the power of ideology overdrive!" IO pumps his fist in the air.
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"She's still in her cell... is it comfy in there?"
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"She's reclusive. The reclusive RFsaurus, you could say!" IO. "I didn't understand that joke. Make sure your jokes come with the correct amount of context to be understood by me in the future." Kyoko.
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"Gotcha. I get it." He goes :/. "Hi RF, I'm TF, The Fungus."
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When they enter her cell, they're greeted by this person. She doesn't even acknowledge them.
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"I think IO has been telling everyone about me... I got put into jail just now. You're the last one of us I'm meeting."
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"I don't care." RF doesn't even look at Grobber. "You gotta earn her respect. Watch the power of ideology overdrive at work! TF here also believes you can kill god someday!" IO. "I don't need his approval." RF.
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"I mean, if she doesn't want to talk to us, we don't have to... erm... we don't have to be here..."
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"He's going to forget about you, you idiot." Kyoko. "What does it matter if he forgets me? You really think he's more important than me?" RF. "If no one remembers you, it doesn't matter if he's important or not. You just won't amount to anything." Kyoko. "Oh yeah? Then you'll forget me too?" RF. "Maybe I will." Kyoko. "Okay, then do it bitch. Forget me." RF. "I'm doing that right now. Forgetting you." Kyoko. "Oh yeah?" RF. "Oh yeah." Kyoko. "Oh yeah?" RF. They start making out for some reason. IO averts his eyes and tries to pretend he doesn't notice anything.
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"Oh my god." He looks at IO. "Oh my god. This is like a thing, isn't it."
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"No clue what you mean!" He shrugs overexaggeratedly.
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"Hmmm. I think this is a good time to talk about who I am, and where I come from." (edited)
9:08 PM
"As a kid, I was always in a lot of escalated classes, but more than being the smart kid, I was the weird kid, you know?"
9:09 PM
"I got picked on a ton. It was pretty bad."
9:09 PM
"Eventually I kind of... got a taste for it I guess? When someone would make a joke about me, I would lean pretty hard into it."
9:10 PM
"It's weird, like, just knowing that there was some self-awareness was enough to stop people from picking on me, I guess. But self-awareness was never the problem, at least with me."
9:10 PM
"I never really was normal. I think I just got better at being weird."
9:11 PM
"I kept on taking advanced classes though. I was able to get into college on scholarship, which I was really proud of."
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"Well, weirdness is great! I'm proud to be the weirdest version of me there is!" IO. The other 2 definitely aren't listening to you. This is just weird for everyone.
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"It was always kinda hard to accept charity from my parents, even though that kind of thing is expected."
9:12 PM
"So it was great. It was ultimately between two schools, and one of them would pay for my housing, and the other wouldn't, so the choice was easy."
9:12 PM
"I took courses in computer science. I was always good at computers, and so, like, i don't know. It was an intuitive choice. Most of the courses were easy, like."
9:13 PM
"They design that kind of course of study for someone who's never coded before, and I had done some coding work for internships. I didn't do any contests or anything, but like. I was good in classes, and did some research. I presented some things, it was pretty cool."
9:13 PM
"I remember the day I learned about my parents' accident. It was weird, like."
9:13 PM
"I was living with a bunch of people at the time."
9:14 PM
"I remember going downstairs and just kind of telling my roommate what had happened, and then, I just kinda..."
9:14 PM
"I don't know. It's weird to say."
9:14 PM
"I just went outside and kind of like. Stared into the distance."
9:14 PM
"I guess I kind of just like, thought that it would hit me, you know?"
9:15 PM
"It didn't for a while. But when I was home, going through my old house, someone asked me where all the stuff should go, and sometime in the midst of doing all the paperwork... it just kinda hit me, I guess."
9:15 PM
"I never lived in that house, not for a while."
9:15 PM
"I had a group of friends, friends I had made from school."
9:15 PM
"I guess it kinda happened like this sort of arrangement. Somebody more socially active, someone with like... a stronger personality, you know? They adopted me, and they had a bunch of other losers."
9:16 PM
"They were kind of an asshole, so after they left, we were all kinda just left behind, but it's not like we all had too many other folks."
9:16 PM
His eyes drift from IO. His story begins to take a different tone.
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"Are you... Is this supposed to be like a Kyoko monologue?" IO.
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"They had this house that they all moved into after they graduated. They were able to find it really cheap- a church was shutting down, and it wasn't technically zoned for people to live there, but we could all skirt by."
9:18 PM
"We would play role-playing games, day in and day out. Constantly."
9:18 PM
"We were part of this huge project, this gigantic fantasy project and we had a bunch of people do it online. Hundreds of people."
9:18 PM
"They were all involved in the same game, or well- they were supposed to be. It was all supposed to come together, and like-"
9:18 PM
"It never ended up happening. The less work we were actually able to do on the project, the more ambitious we became."
9:19 PM
"Anyway, we had this scheme we would run to keep the lights on."
9:21 PM
"We would sign up for free credit card plans, referral plans, all those kinds of things."
9:21 PM
"Sign up for 100 dollars free, refer a friend for 15 dollars, a lot of the time, they don't check for duplicate identities, and with all of us teaming up, we were able to do it enough to eat and get necessities. Add in unemployment, and it was enough to buy lights, water, internet... and drugs."
9:22 PM
"So much drugs. Haven't lived a day of my life without them."
9:22 PM
"Not since I lived in that house, at least. The whole time in my mind... it's been lost. Years-long gap, just basically gone. I can be reminded of individual scenes, but the whole thing's a blur."
9:23 PM
"It's weird, you know..."
9:23 PM
"Well, eventually, one of us, this girl Ophelia, she decided she was done with that life. Wanted a job. And she moved out."
9:24 PM
"I guess it showed us eventually that we could leave."
9:24 PM
"And so, everyone did. Everyone except me... but the rent was too much."
9:24 PM
"...And so I came back to my parents house."
9:25 PM
"And between then and when all this stuff started happening... basically everything stayed the same. Everything that's inside of me was there then, too. I was just kind of... existing." (edited)
9:25 PM
"Oh yeah! All that to say, uh."
9:26 PM
"You kinda look like my old friend Ophelia, RF. You kinda just have different hair. And she was a bit bigger than you, too. And she had a different nose. And different eyes."
9:26 PM
"But there's just something kinda similar, you know?"
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"I... I don't think she's listening, TF." IO is still looking away.
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"Huh. Fair enough." He looks nervously at IO. "Oh my god, you didn't expect me to..." His eyes dart back and forth. "Unless..."
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"...What?" IO.
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He gestures at the two of them. "Is this what people do in prison?"
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"I have no idea what they could specifically be doing that you could be talking about! Ideology failure!"
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"Like, making out and having sex and stuff. I don't even know if sex is allowed in jail."
9:31 PM
"They never really told me the rules."
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"We're just the best of buds, palling around! No clue what you mean!" IO. (edited)
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"Yeah. How long do they usually take 'palling around'?"
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"We pal around all day every day! That's what friendship is all about!" IO. RF breaks away from Kyoko and walks out without a word. "Asshole." Kyoko.
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"Wait, where are you going?" Grobber follows. "That's your cell!"
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"We're cellmates, for some reason. They really should break us apart I hate talking to her. She doesn't even care about all of the things I have to say." Kyoko. "Personally... My cellmate, LM... He's pretty cool." IO.
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"You guys have cellmates? Damn... Crazy."
9:41 PM
"Yeah, LM seems pretty chill. I might try and work out with him sometime if I'm in here for a while."
9:41 PM
"Would be something to do, at least."
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"They should've bunked you with CR! That would've melted his ice cold heart!" IO. "Being my cellmate has not melted my heart, personally. But that's because melting a heart sounds literally impossible." Kyoko.
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"Wait, is Diend on this side of the prison?"
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"Who's Diend? I haven't met them. And I've met everyone." Kyoko. "Diend nuts!" IO tries to highfive Grobber.
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He high fives IO. "Yeah I should've known in retrospect."
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"Woohoo! Yeah! Ideology success!" IO celebrates the highfive.
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Grobber smiles. "Man, and I don't even have to do anything! Crazy!"
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"Grobber Brentwood!" A guard called out to him.
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"Oh shit!" He jumps up a little and goes to the guard.
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"I'm not even going to ask why you're on this side of the prison. A 'Grace Rollins' is here to visit you."
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"Oh! Sweet!" He grins as he goes to follow the guard.
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((End session))
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((Saturday))
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Grobber is led into the visitor’s room. Grace is sitting on the other side and not looking at you.
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"Hey. So it turns out that this thing... is a lot more complicated than I thought, heh-heh..."
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She doesn’t answer.
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"You know, it's not actually so bad in here. Today is wayyyy better than yesterday, Grace. With the people here, I'm kind of a legend. They see me as some kind of hero. I got visited with people recommending me lawyers, and that the police are full of shit."
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She still doesn’t answer.
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"I've even learned more about my money got stolen. I actually have a lead on that now, and given that I can get... what I need... in here for free, it... it looks like it's all gonna work out. Especially with how I was arrested, and if I'm able to contact a lawyer... I'm okay. It's gonna work out okay."
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"It’s… not." She finally speaks.
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"..." He swallows. "Did something happen between you and your dad after I left?"
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"How… long ago was it that we met? I can’t even remember now."
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He looks away, then shakes his head. "It was... two years at least, but it can't have been more than four. It was... it was during a molly phase... I was doing a lot of molly. I remember that was the first time you had done it." (edited)
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"That's… possible." She pauses for a moment. "But the truth is, I…" She doesn’t seem to know how to continue.
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Grobber gets uncomfortable in his chair. He starts to fidget a little. "Is there something bad about... the start?"
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"I was… Lonely back then. I still am today, really, but… Back then, you seemed to care about me. In a way no one else did. The real drug was you. Or at least… That’s what I thought."
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Grobber's eyes twitch. "Are you saying I don't care about you now!?"
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"I'm… Not sure I’ve ever cared about you."
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Grobbers eyes flash open. "What? Are you.... what do you mean?"
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"You remember Michelle, right? When I met her, that’s… That’s when I finally knew what love felt like. She was so magical. Everything she did was so enchanting, and I could feel myself drawn in all the time. It was… so much better than being with you. In that moment, I forgot all about you. I was ready to follow her forever instead."
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"I... I'm sorry. I didn't know..." His eyes are wide. He speaks softly. "Do you hate me, Grace?"
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She continues. "But… She didn’t take me with her. Instead… She told me to stick with you. To make sure… You’d be as close to me as possible. If I stop and think honestly for a second… There’s only explanation. The only reason she ever cared about me… Was to get to you."
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"....Mm?"
3:29 PM
He breathes in gasps. ".....why?"
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"I think… She was going to take your money. And I was just her tool for that."
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He's shocked into silence.
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"I think… I’ve done nothing but lie to myself this entire time."
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He stares at her.
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"But… That didn’t last, did it?" She finally looks at him bitterly. "My father just… Had to be innocent. He couldn’t even let me have this."
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"...Yeah."
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"…"
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He stares at her.
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"When it all broke, I… I thought about it. The truth. And… who I wanted to be. Have you ever decided that for yourself?"
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"...I don't think I care who it is."
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"What do you mean?"
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Ehn/PC
It's an unfamiliar woman and an unfamiliar old man. There's a rather fancy car behind them.
@Ehn/PC Was this car red?
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((No))
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"...I didn't know 'em. I don't even think the money thing is even related to your friend, really. Your friend was pathetic. She was just like me, just without anything. Why would anybody want to kill her? Nobody cares. It was probably someone who knew her. And Gus was involved? Who knew both Michelle and Gus? If anybody in that category has been acting suspiciously lately... that's your answer." He snorts. "But... I just wanted to do something. ANYTHING. It's the only thing I've done in years. I'm soooo bored, Grace. I didn't ever really want to follow the trail to its conclusion."
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"You’re just… Bored?"
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"I'm a lot of things."
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"But all of this… The Fungus, helping me… That was all just out of boredom? It’s just a distraction you never wanted to actually finish?" She starts crying.
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"...It never really goes away. It all just keeps growing. I wanted it to swallow up my life. I still want it to. I don't want to come out the other side, Grace."
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"What about me, huh? I come crying to you about someone I love dying and you think that’s great for you!? Did I mean nothing to you?"
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"You're the only thing I have, Grace. I'll do anything you want, I promise. I don't care about anyone else. Even after everything. You can have all of me you want." He does his best to smile.
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She takes a moment to process this. "You don’t… have me, Grobber."
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He stares at her.
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"Even now, I just run straight into the arms of the first person who’s nice to me. And that’s… Not you. And on a certain level, that’s still Michelle. So I’m going to finish what she’d have wanted. And I’m going to move on from… All of this. That includes you."
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"...no. i'll do anything."
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She got up, forcing a determined look into her crying expression. "Thanks… For introducing The Fungus to me. I’ll be taking it now."
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"you can't... no... you can't..."
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"You’re free to hate me for the rest of your life. …I’d appreciate it." She left.
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Grobber walks back to his cell.
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His cell is empty.
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He lies down and tries to go to sleep.
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The Fungus falls asleep. He wakes back up to IO standing over him. "Wake up! Don’t waste the day sleeping!"
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"...Man... it doesn't matter. I don't even... fucking care, dude."
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"Whaaaat!? Don’t kid around, TF! You just got here!"
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"I'm gonna be here for a million fucking years, dude. It doesn't matter."
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"It does matter! All of this matters! As long as we try our hardest, everything matters! That’s the beauty of ideology!"
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"I don't have a fucking ideology or whatever, dude. I don't have what you want. I'm not even the fucking fungus anymore. It doesn't matter."
4:40 PM
"I just did some shit for myself. I was bored. But it was never gonna get anywhere."
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"Huh? What does that mean?"
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"I don't care, dude. It doesn't." He sighs. "I don't even care about anything. I just wanted to hurt people. I'm just... I'm bullshit dude."
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"You aren’t bullshit! You’re TF! The most feared criminal in the world! Abandon your baggage and chase that dream!"
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"I'm not even The Fungus anymore. If you want The Fungus, wait till Grace Wight gets arrested, then invite her to your group. She was basically the mastermind behind the entire thing, anyway."
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"Huh? But you were talking all about being the Fungus… Did someone get in your brain and mess it all up?"
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"Fucking whatever, dude. It doesn't matter. I wanted to have friends. It's the same shit I always do."
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"Well you’ve got me now! I bet you haven’t noticed, but I’ve actually been manipulating you into being my friend. Pretty clever, huh?"
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"Yeah. You're a genius, Ideology. You got it."
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"Haha-Ha! Indeed I am! The modern mastermind!"
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"I'm glad. Now I'm gonna go to sleep. Forever."
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"Huh? No! You’ve gotta stay up! We haven’t had a new member in so long!"
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"...You wouldn't even care about me if you knew who I was. You'd hate me."
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"I care about the fungus, and that’s you! I’m not gonna start taking some ripoff over you."
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"You don't know anything. She was always the one calling the shots. She was the person with the intel, the connections, everything. I didn't do anything. Even the miracles were a mistake." He starts to cry. "Ehn wanted Grace. Grace, not me! I just happened to be- I was a fucking mistake. A mistake! I was never supposed to be part of any of this. I just wanted something to do. I know Grace. That's it. That's all about me. Everything else was just. It was bullshit. I lied, I spun a web, I misused everything."
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"Lies and all that are just another extension of your ideology! It doesn’t matter who knew who or who did what… It’s about the heart! The soul! The ideology! And that’s you!"
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"IDEOLOGY ISN'T FUCKING REAL!!! I WANTED DRUGS AND MONEY AND TO HAVE SEX! I WANTED TO HURT PEOPLE FOR PETTY REASONS!" "I don't know how many fucking times I have to tell you. I'm not complicated. I'm not interesting. I'm not some quirky bundle of neuroses like the rest of your crew. I'm just a loser who hopped on a bandwagon and tortured some fast food workers."
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"IDEOLOGY IS REAL!"
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He shakes his head. "Maybe for people like you. Not for people like me. My brain has been destroyed by gallons of intoxicants and years of waste. I'm a crustacean. I jump at simple shit. I just. I just don't get it. I just do things."
5:09 PM
"I'm honored you consider me a massive criminal. I am. But everybody will forget about me soon. Or it'll get taken from me. Or whatever."
5:09 PM
"The only person in this world that cares about me, the only person that saw me for who I was, was that freak detective."
5:10 PM
"And she'd have me hanged. Maybe she's right."
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"ACAB! Ignore her! I see the real you. Or at the very least, who you could be. Stop moping around and show the people how great you are!"
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"I'm... I'm in jail. And the only thing that could save me is on that computer... and Grace has it now. I hope she burns it."
5:15 PM
"Grace was the only person on this Earth that gave me warmth. And she never cared."
5:15 PM
"She wants me to rot in here... so I'll do it for her, as thanks."
5:15 PM
He stops crying.
5:15 PM
"That's the least I can do." (edited)
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"Screw her! Screw warmth! What matters is what you can do! Anyone can claim to be the fungus, but only you can actually be the real one! You’ll show em!"
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"Why would I do that?"
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"Cause you're the fungus! It's what you do!"
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Grobber stands up and brushes himself off. "Do you even know what the fungus is? Explain it to me real quick."
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"You're a criminal uniting the world under your name!"
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"Yeah, sure. Good try. See you around, Ideology." Grobber walks off, trying to find a specific cell.
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"I was right!" He still follows Grobber.
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Grobber goes down the cell block, looking for Clyde Reaction's.
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Clyde is reading a book in his cell.
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He looks up at Clyde. "Hey. Can I sit in your cell for a bit? I just need to sit."
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"Absolutely not." Clyde doesn't look up from his book.
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Grobber sits down in place.
5:42 PM
Is IO still hanging around?
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IO is still following. "CR? Really? He's like the biggest bore in this place!" "I have no idea what I've done to deserve your attention, but get out. I have no interest in entertaining any of you." Clyde.
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Grobber ignores Clyde. "IO, do you have any idea how long it usually takes SM to get things?"
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"However long they decide!" IO. "Is there some kind of prank you've all decided to play on me? You could have this conversation anywhere and yet you choose to pollute my personal cell with it." Clyde (edited)
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"No, I just wanted to find a nice, quiet place where I could rot for a million years."
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"Well, as much as I would appreciate that, I'd rather be able to use my cell for the foreseeable future. Don't you have your own cell to rot in?" Clyde. "Come on, CR! Now's the time to turn around and support TF! You've gotta show him you were secretly on our side the whole time!" IO. "None of what you just said is correct." Clyde.
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Grobber lets them argue.
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"But you're part of TAP! You're supposed to ride with us til the end, y'know?" IO. "TAP was a doomed project that got us all here. Attempting to work with you lunatics landed me in prison. In what way should I owe you a favor for that? I've never liked you, any of you. And my time in prison has allowed me enough self-reflection to understand a basic fact. You would all be more of use to me if you died." Clyde.
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He hangs his head and rests it in his arms.
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"Your friend here has come to the same conclusion. All of you are not quirky, interesting, or funny. You're all simply time bombs. You'll blow yourselves up in fits of rampant and unavoidable stupidity. And you'll take everyone around you... down with you. Sanity is the basis of civilization. People who are incapable of operating on a basic level do not belong here. They don't belong anywhere. They're a poison. A disease. And yet while you spread your diseases rampantly throughout the world, you're all treated as equal to the hardworking man. A pointless suicidal bomb is entrusted with the same amount of worth and value as a tool with purpose. Clarity. To use your words, people require a coherent ideology. But none of you have one. You're nothing short of rampant plagues for the sake of plagues. You have no reason to live and yet you claim life on the same grounds as those who do. You're worse than failures. Irredeemable garbage designed to burn to a crisp in order to free up space for the next batch of garbage. If you want to claim to be sentient, use your bit of control, however insignificant and tiny, and remove yourself from this world without dragging me into it." Clyde.
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Grobber looks at IO solmenly.
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"Tch... He doesn't like... Get us, right TF?" IO.
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"My entire life I've just hurt people I wanted to help and helped people I've wanted to hurt. I want a wizard to turn me into dust. I'd do it myself if I knew how. If I wasn't SO STUPID! STUPID!"
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"Wizards aren’t real." CR. "I mean… They could be… But that doesn’t matter! The power of the fungus transcends wizardry! Even if you think you’ve screwed it up so far, you’ve still got me! And that means you’ll never hit rock bottom! You can only claw your way back up as far as you want!" IO.
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"I don't care I don't CARE! I don't want anything to do with the fungus! I want to hide in a cave eating saltines, or overdose in my sleep! Why would you think I want to do the Fungus? Did you think I was some petty glory chaser? Did you think I got anything out of it? No!"
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"I got something out of it! I’m a fan! Do it for me!" IO.
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"I! I don't!" He sputters. "I... You can find someone else. You can find anybody else. Why me? Grace will do everything better, just wait. I don't have anything she doesn't. Not anymore."
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"You’ve got you! I believe in the power of the human spirit!" IO. "Spirits do not exist. People are made of various chemical elements and turn to nothing when they die." Clyde. "If you’re gonna get involved, CR, stop being you!" IO. "This is my cell and that isn’t my name." Clyde.
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"..." Grobber turns over. "'swas all stupid in the first place. 'fucking idiot. should've done nothing and snorted cocaine off hookers."
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"Well… Those don’t sound like the fungus I know!" IO. "Yes they do." Clyde.
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"Carolyn, Gus, Fritz, Grace, the Subway guy, Johnner, Dana, Ariel, all of them were just fucking! Fuck! Nothing! It was fucking nothing, dude! All of them! Just bullshit!"
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"But the power of TF’s still enough to beat them all down!" IO. "In your delusions, perhaps. But reality does not bend to your will. You’re just as nothing as them, and yet still broken." Clyde. "Damn it, CR! Stop giving your input!" IO.
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"...We're deadlocked. What are you going to do if I magically get better, just talk at me? Well, go ahead. Skip to that part of the conversation."
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"Well, if you got better I’d just follow your lead for a while." IO. "I’d ask you to leave." Clyde.
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"I just wanted to fucking sit down, dude. You have to fucking understand right now. I'm having a bad fucking day, asshole. Can I fucking sit right now? You got a problem with me sitting? Can I fucking sit? I'd like to fucking sit!"
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"You have your own cell. Why are you bothering me in mine?" Clyde.
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Grobber doesn't answer.
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Clyde finally puts down the book. "Do you want to know what I think? I think you came here because when we met this morning I made it clear that I agreed you would die. This is not about relaxation, you want validation. Encouragement. You want the person who hates you whom you can most immediately speak to to either forgive you entirely or condemn you to death. So, allow me to make it clear. It’s the latter. If you want to follow my input, kill yourself. Hang yourself with your own bedsheet, slit your wrists with a plastic knife, it’s of no concern to me. But that is my verdict."
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"Or maybe I just wanted to be around a fucking normal person! Maybe I'm not the most machiavellian guy ever! Maybe I'm just a fucking guy!" He stands up. "You ever think about that, asshole!?"
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"You don’t deserve me." Clyde.
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"Well maybe I will kill myself, bitch. But if I die, I'm gonna take out as many as I can. In a pinch, one is enough, fuckface." He walks towards Clyde Reaction and attempts to punch him in the face.
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((Roll))
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Accidentally rolled twice, first was a 3
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He misses, but Clyde looks visibly scared. "Ha! Good bluff! You totally got him! CR’s gonna piss himself!" IO.
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"Got anything else, bitch? Wanna tell me to kill myself again?"
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"You’re the one bothering me!" Clyde. "Go! Get his ass!" IO.
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Grobber tries to punch Clyde again.
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((Using your 1)) Grobber completely misses the shot. Clyde gets up and starts yelling for the guards.
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Grobber chases after Clyde.
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IO also follows.
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"You f-fucking piece of shit! I'll break you, bitch!"
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"Guards! Guaaaaards!" Clyde.
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Grobber will run up to Clyde, trying to punch him in the neck or head.
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((Roll))
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2
7:35 PM
Holy fuck dude
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As Grobber goes to punch Clyde, he’s suddenly hit down to the floor with tremendous force from behind. "Clyde's my friend before you are." Little Man.
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"I've gotta fucking kill him! He's- he's!" After that blow, it's difficult to get words out. He's crying pretty hard.
7:37 PM
"Kill me then! Do it!"
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"LM what are you doing!? You’ve gotta get Clyde! He’s playing the villain right now!" IO. "I’m pretty sure Clyde is never playing." Little Man. "I’m not a gamer." Clyde.
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"I've lost! I've lost so kill me! Kill me!" Grobber will do his best to get up and thrash at Little Man. (edited)
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((Roll))
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20
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This works perfectly.
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What does that mean lol
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((It means you succeeded at what you were trying to do))
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(Well yeah but in my head, if I'm grobber, I'm just trying to thrash out and hit little man. What happens? Do I noodle arm him? Does he get hurt? Does he drop dead?)
7:43 PM
(wasn't fully thinking of consequences just thinking of what grobber would do)
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Little Man is hit hard. He smiles. "You wanna fight, huh? Haven’t gotten to really brawl in a long time. But boxing’s in my blood." "Why are you 2 fighting???? CR was the jerk! This isn’t what’s supposed to happen!" IO.
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"Fucking kill me! One of us has gotta die! I'm done! It's over! Let me wrap it up!" He screams.
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"I can’t take your soul through boxing, it’d be nothing short of heresy. But if you want boxing therapy, then brawl out big guy!" Little Man gets into boxing stance.
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Grobber launches a fist at Little Man.
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((Roll))
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14.
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It hits. "Good one!" He punches Grobber in the chest. "Get into stance, you gotta block these."
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Grobber does not focus on any sort of defense or focus. He throws another punch at Little Man.
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((Roll))
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10
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It’s not a strong hit but it hits. "Glass canon, huh? Not a popular style, but you’ve always been an unusual guy. Let’s see if it works out ya." He tries to hit Grobber but it misses.
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"FUCK YOU!" Grobber throws another punch at Little Man, 18.
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It hits hard. "Nice hit. You feeling better yet, or you wanna swing it out harder? Come on, let out all your anger! No need to keep it in there! You think shit sucks? Beat that shit out of me!" Little Man. "What is… happening?" IO.
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"I'm gonna fucking kill you! G-gragh!!!!" Grobber swings again. 1.
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Grobber misses completely, allowing Little Man to hit him from the back. "Come on, that your best? You’ve gotta have more anger in there!"
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He starts crying harder. "It-it starts with you!" He swings again.
7:59 PM
7
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It misses again. "Oh yeah, and who’s it end with?" Little Man. The guards finally arrive, but IO stops them. "It’s purely consensual fighting! Just normal boxing! Don’t throw anyone in solitary!"
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"I'll fuck up everyone who's made my life hell! I'll show them all to be sorry! And that's everyone! Everyone on this shitty planet has ruined me. So I'm just gonna kill them!" He swings at Little Man again.
8:03 PM
2
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It misses. "Gonna kill em all, huh? How you gonna do it? Gonna wish em to death? You don't have anywhere near enough power to make a dent there."
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He somehow cries even harder. His face looks like an oil painting that fell on the ground. "I can't! I'm fucking pathetic! But I can kill you, so I will!" He punches Little Man again.
8:11 PM
5.
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It misses. "Not to be IO, but you've still got more power than you think! What matters most in this world is a willingness to try to do better. No one's born a great boxer. We train, and train, and train... Because we wanna be better at boxing! That's how life works. Do you wanna be pathetic or do you wanna be a real man? Life's up to you!"
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"I want you to see your eyes bleed and your brain come out your ears! I don't care! I'm not like you! I don't Care! I just hate everything!" He punches Little Man again.
8:16 PM
11.
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He blocks it. "Let all that hate out!"
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"FUCK! YOU!" He punches Little Man again.
8:20 PM
15.
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It hits. "That's it! Keep going!"
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"PLEASE!!!!" Again.
8:21 PM
17.
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Another hard hit. "Another one!"
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"Please!" Again.
8:22 PM
7.
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It misses. "You can do it! I believe!"
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"Please.... please..." Again.
8:23 PM
8.
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It misses. "Put your all into this one!"
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"Please..." His tongue hangs out of his mouth as he gasps for air. His left arm clutches his chest. His feet almost trip, but he recenters himself. He tries to punch Little Man again.
8:25 PM
12.
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It hits hard enough to knock Little Man back.
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"please..." He stumbles towards Little Man, still clutching at his chest. Sweat covers his face, and in just this short amount of time he's worked up enough body odor to make the whole room smell pretty yucky. He swings one of his fists at Little Man, stumbling into the attack.
8:28 PM
2.
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He misses, and falls over from exhaustion.
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"...p-pl..."
8:30 PM
He can't get words out.
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"Get some rest before you try to take me on again." Little Man punches him in the head, knocking him out. ((End session.))
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((No session this week. Not locking you out for long it’s probably just better to let other people catch up to you))
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(Lol I already said I couldn't do session this week, so don't worry about it 😎 )
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((I’m going to stretch it another week sorry. You can have one if you really want but it feels like a bad idea))
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no problem!
10:46 PM
(honestly i prefer more space between sessions rather than 4 sessions in a row than nothing for 2.5 months if i had to pick)
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((Saturday))
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((Oh right whoops))
5:44 PM
Grobber wakes back up in his cell. IO is standing over him. "Morning!" Under the other bed is a box that wasn't there before.
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"Shit..." He rubs his head. "Is it morning already?"
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"Nope, still today. Felt more appropriate, though!"
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He sighs. "They aren't even taking me to solitary? I yelled I was gonna kill him..." He walks over to the box and opens it.
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The drugs he asked for are inside. IO quickly tries to pull the box away from him.
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Grobber tries to hold onto them. "NEED."
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((Roll))
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16.
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Grobber's got the drugs. "You don't really need those! Come on!"
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"I'll fucking fillet you, dude. I'm going through withdrawal and these fucking pig cops aren't treating me for that shit." He digs in the box for something he can use for immediate relief. (edited)
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"Withdrawal? Who cares? You don’t need those!" IO. ((I know nothing about drugs so you can just say whatever’s in this box))
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Grobber pulls out a tightly wrapped plastic bag and licks his pointer finger, rubbing it inside the bag, and then spreading it on his gums. "Hooooly... yeah..." He continues to fumble around in the box, producing various infusions and herbs that he consumes, injects, and insufflates.
6:22 PM
He folds the box back up and sits on it, leaning back.
6:22 PM
"Yeah... great. Great."
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"Haha… Well, you’re done with that completely random and irrelevant substance so you can get rid of this box now!”
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He ignores IO.
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"Something wrong?"
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"No.... everything is perfect." He closes his eyes. "Yeaaaa.... okay..." He takes a deep breath in and out. "I can make this work..."
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"Make what work? Come on, don’t leave me out!"
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"Life. This is the best things have ever-" He strains to speak. "Been."
6:41 PM
"You really are the best IO... yeah..." He slouches down into his position further.
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"Yes! Ideology success!"
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He stays silent, and opens his mouth, starting to drool.
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"Wow, you seem real tired!"
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"No. Errr... sure. Maybe? Sorry, what was the question? Sorry, nevermind, I don't give a shit."
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"…Huh?"
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"Dude, you gotta try this sometime. You fucks really are missing out... I feel bad for you pathetic fucks..." (edited)
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"I try breathing all the time!"
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"Yeah..."
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"Wanna go see LM? He’s probably waiting to talk about that fight!"
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"No I can... I can stay here for a bit..."
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A guard walked up to the cell. "Prisoner, your cellmate is here."
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"...mmm? Sure, come in." (edited)
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Bob Smith walks up to the cell and looks inside. ((Channel switch))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / bob-and-grobber
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((BOB AND GROBBER))
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The blond guy notices Bob and immediately looks ecstatic. "The Elusive Sentasaurus!?"
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"Well, yeah. Kind of. I'm his manager, Jackson Day."
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"No you’re not." He shakes his head.
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"Hey." The other man in the cell doesnt look at you.
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Ehn/PC
"No you’re not." He shakes his head.
"Ok fair. I'm POSING for some team nine member named jackson day. He's kind of. gone." (edited)
7:43 PM
"Anyways, lets trade names, hey cowboy, what'd you do?" I tap on the fungus's shoulder.
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"Well, I’m a much bigger fan of the elusive Sentasaurus! Anyone parading around in a cool suit like that is basically a master of ideology!"
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He practically spasms at being touched by Bob. "SHIT!" He swallows. "I... I didnt do anything. Well. I'm the worst. So they're putting me away forever. I'm Grobber Brentwood." His voice sounds more like a whine.
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"And your's?" I point to the catboy who loves the elusive sentasaurus.
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"Haha-Ha! The name's Ideology Overdrive, but everyone just calls me IO!" There is no catboy.
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what
7:46 PM
"Neat. Anyways, now that you know about the elusive sentasaurus, I say we lighten the mood with a little tale, before we get down to business."
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"Oh god... are you gonna bring all of TAP together? Is it gonna be a big fucking deal again?"
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"Ooh, I love tales!"
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"Yeah, yeah, tell a story." He leans his head back.
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"Alrighty. Pick a number between 1 and 100."
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"101!"
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"Both people." (edited)
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"...two."
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"Neat. 101 + 2, 103! 103/2 equals 51.5. Just a little over 50."
7:49 PM
"Alright. Time to tell a little tale. About this kid, and this fisherman."
7:50 PM
Bob tells the tale.
7:50 PM
7:50 PM
7:51 PM
7:51 PM
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7:55 PM
In summary, the story is about how Bob meets up with a fisherman and his kid, and how he successfully trolls them all into thinking he's a robot. Somehow he succeeds.
7:56 PM
It may take a while for Grobber to process the story. But it's alright. Its stupid anyways (edited)
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"Wow… Pretty crazy!"
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Grobber absentmindedly traces at the wall with his finger. He looks like he's probably on drugs, and he's covered in bruises. "Huh, cat must get around then." He sighs. "And to think I thought I was something special."
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"Special is bad. Normal is the new cool. If we wanna be special, lets do it together."
7:58 PM
"So because Grobber is in here forever, here's our game plan: We're going to start a cult."
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"Haha-Ha! You’re just as fun in person!"
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"That sounds like a great... great idea. You should do that. I'm gonna do drugs instead."
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"And we're going to call it: Edlightenment."
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The Fungus
"That sounds like a great... great idea. You should do that. I'm gonna do drugs instead."
"No no no no NO! Wait! We can make it a drug cult! We can like support a drug god!"
8:00 PM
"We can do heroin... with you! Or something."
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"...Edlightenment. Wasnt there some edlightenment guy here? EB?"
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"Hey! No drugs! Stop doing a drug thing!"
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"E stands for Ed then, I guess. One question solved, a million fucking more to go. Whole thing is useless, anyway."
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"Yeah. Edward Blythe is the original leader of Edlightenment."
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"...Blythe? Like-"
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"It's real. That's why we're going to make an edlightenment 2!"
8:02 PM
"Yes, yes. Carolyn Blythe. I tried to murder her once. It was pretty sick."
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"Wow, you’re wild!"
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"Man, you seem like... You seem like a good guy, so I'm gonna be real with you." He looks directly at Bob. His eyes are bloodshot. "You don't want to build something with me. Whatever you try, it will fail. Whatever you attempt and fix, it'll break. If you get attached to me, bad things will happen. It's just the way of the world."
8:05 PM
"They didn't put me in here for any real reason. They're never gonna get me for any real crime. The reason I'm here is to separate me away from anybody that still matters. Plain and simple."
8:05 PM
"I already tried to start something, and I ruined it, and someone stole it. It doesn't matter anymore."
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The Fungus
"E stands for Ed then, I guess. One question solved, a million fucking more to go. Whole thing is useless, anyway."
"Jeez. You care about that? It's a bunch of brainless politics."
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"Come on TES! Cheer him up with some classic dino humour! This is your battle of ideology!"
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The Fungus
"Man, you seem like... You seem like a good guy, so I'm gonna be real with you." He looks directly at Bob. His eyes are bloodshot. "You don't want to build something with me. Whatever you try, it will fail. Whatever you attempt and fix, it'll break. If you get attached to me, bad things will happen. It's just the way of the world."
"Well, failure builds character. It'd might as well be the new normal. I'm not perfect. I got tortured a million times. Gotten shot by Jackson Day a few times. Gotten shot by Jeff Johnner a few times. Gotten shot by Ethfan a few times."
8:08 PM
"Come on man, I'm fucked up! Just like you!"
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"You know Jeff Johnner, Carolyn Blythe... you... you... you like fucking with people, huh?"
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"You... you KNOW these people?"
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"Iiiiit's a smaaaall wooorld."
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Grobber doesn't answer the question. He stands up. "Have... have you been following me?"
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"If I could follow you, I should have. I'm so glad that we could be together." Bob kisses the fungus.
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Grobber lunges at Bob, attempting to wrap his hands around his neck. "YOU FUCKING BIG BELTO SHELK MOTHERFUCKER! I'LL FUCKING TEAR YOU APART! YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!!! I'LL KILL YOU!!!!"
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"See! This is what a family means! Not that "Mom and Dad" bullcrap. Just a bunch of aguys who hang out an-"
8:11 PM
"UGH!"
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((Roll))
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9
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"U-u-u-u-u-u"
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Grobber misses.
8:13 PM
"Hey! Stop! Stop! We’re all the best of friends here!" IO tries to get in between the 2.
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"You can strangle me again if you like! That's what best friends are for!"
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Grobber lands on the ground, and slowly stretches out. "No, no... I'm overreacting... you're not Bigbeltoshelkfan at all... you're a good kid... you probably hate Belto Shelk... yeah..."
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Bob attempts to snap IO's neck. "We can talk this out together. You and me. And then we can make that cult and cause a prison ruckus."
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This evidently does not work. "Hey, what the hell TES!?"
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"How djou... how do you know who I am?"
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"I thought I needed some alone time. Sorry."
8:16 PM
"Say, what's your gender?" I say this ti IO.
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"Did you just try to kill me…!?!?"
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"To prove a point, yeah. Just following in Jackson's footsteps, that's all."
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"Wow, that’s such a great ideology!"
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The Fungus
"How djou... how do you know who I am?"
"YOU RUN A CULT TOO?"
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He spits on the ground. He spies the area around for cops. "I... I didndu shit. I drugged and bribed a bunch of homeless people. Grace is gonna mobilize a million people. Better than I ever could."
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"The poor deserve it, honestly."
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"You’re the one and only TF, TF! That’s the truth of it! Ignore the fakes!"
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"TF?"
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"The Fungus. But I don't want to be called that anymore."
8:21 PM
"Not that I still could be, even if I wanted to."
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"Anyways, if I can't force you to join our little cult, I guess I will slowly wait until you comply."
8:21 PM
"Say IO? How old are you and what did you do exactly to end up here?"
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"LC posted everything about herself on police databases so we all got caught! Well, most of us, but y’know!"
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"LC?...."
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"Yeah there's a whole fucking crew of these people."
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"And TF's our newest member! Oh! Wanna join, TES?"
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"You know what? Sure."
8:28 PM
"If Grobber doesn't want his status as the fungus, I guess I'll name myself it."
8:29 PM
"If it makes your feel better." Bob pinches Grobber's cheek."
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He barely gets words out. "Idon'tgiveashit"
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"Come on man. Now your just being a douche. Let's be friends! Like say, can I do drugs with you?"
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"No drugs!"
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"MINE!" He yells at Bob Smith. He sighs. "Listen, man, you can do whatever you want. I'm... I- I just..." He slumps against the wall. "I don't know. I'm sorry for yelling at you."
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"Alright asshole. I was a special agent willing to give you a chance. But you know what?" Bob restrains Grobber "You're under arrest."
8:34 PM
"We've finally caught you for the perfect allegations. The drugging of thousands of homeless people." (edited)
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"That's what I'm already in here for, asshole! Nobody gives a shit! Fuck you!"
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"I'm going to put you in a special team nine prison where ethfan will torture you for all eternity!"
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"...Whatever." He goes limp.
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"YOU'RE NO FUN TO TALK TO AT ALL! FUCK YOU!" I punch grobber as hard as a criminally can so he gets knocked unconcious
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((Roll))
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((12))
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This hurts but it does not knock him unconscious.
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"...I... can you get him, IO?"
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"Stupid idiot! I've literally done nothing wrong but be nice to you!" I spit at grobber.
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"But this is an ideology battle! I’m just a spectator, I can’t intervene!"
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"Yeah. Don't even try, pipsqueak."
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Grobber doesn't move. "Hit me harder. I deserve it."
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"YOU KNOW WHAT? FUCK YOU HARDER!" I bash IO in the head to knock them unconcious.
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((Roll))
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((8))
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He dodges. "Sheesh, you’re even more aggressive than him! You wanna fight LM instead?"
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Grobber just stays on the floor in his haze. "Just fucking kill me already. End my life. There's no getting better than this."
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((Gonna end the session here))
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"Come on, TF... You can't give in so early!"
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He doesn't say anything.
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"So are you just. Resorting to murder now?" Sophie is lying down in a bed next to Bob? Jackson?'s cell.
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The Fungus does not see this.
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He does hear Bob speak this out loud though.
2:25 PM
"What? No. What? Why are you guys here?
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IO is watching eagerly.
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"It's like poetry. You haven't freed yourself from anything at all. Look at where your at, Bob!"
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Of course Grobber cant see this. His eyes are closed.
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"Oh. Shut up. SHUT UP! I'M JACKSON DAY NOW! THIS IS MY CONCLUSION! I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO REVOLVE AROUND OTHERS! I SHOULDN'T JUST LET PEOPLE REVOLVE AROUND ME!" (edited)
2:33 PM
"And there we are. Back to square one. You haven't learned anything from what I've told you. If you can't revolve around others, you're just revolving around yourself." (edited)
2:33 PM
"guys. GUYS! If I could, I could look like jackson day, right?"
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Grobber stays limp on the ground, trying to reclaim the fragments of his drug trip.
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"What else choice do I have BUT to revolve around myself? I have to make up my own destiny, actually make meaningful choices in a place that doesn't allow me to! And I have to do that by caring more about myself! If I just revolve around people, I'll make them miserable! I'll make myself miserable!"
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"Just let it happen, Jackson. Let yourself be miserable. There's no way for weird people to be happy. If you don't subscribe to the lie theyve tried to tell you, they dont let you be happy. The faster you realize that, the faster you can grow." (edited)
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"You gotta be yourself! Unquestionably! Let that ideology run wild!"
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"Grobber is right, for once. You are nothing but a commodity. A goods and services. You are no more than mentally ill."
2:46 PM
Bob chuckles. "I really appreciate for calling me Jackson, Grobber."
2:47 PM
"Ethfan is right. So is Grobber. We kind of just. Use you for stuff."
2:47 PM
"True."
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"Names are just... fucking bullshit, dude. They don't affect anything. I'll call you whatever you want."
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"A name is correlated with identity. An identity is something you strap onto a person that will fufill this identity. Something to tag on someone's great accomplishments. To show that your life was meaningful."
2:49 PM
"Do.... do I even have a name?"
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"No lives are meaningful. We're all just animals tricked into believing that we have souls. Existential dread can be solved by food, sleep, or drugs. Don't kid yourself."
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"I.. see......"
2:55 PM
"For this chapter in my life, I've been trying to find myself for who I am. If I deserve friends, if I am good or bad, if I'm human, or inhuman..... but you know what? If god was watching up at me, I'd think that anything I did was terribly incoherent. Because I'm trying to find meaning.... in something that doesn't exist."
2:55 PM
"Food. Sleep. Drugs. Was. All that should have been in my life."
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"If it makes you feel better, literally every human on the planet is doing the same thing."
2:56 PM
"But we're all just a bunch of deformed apes that want stuff from people that don't want us to have it. It's not really any more complicated."
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"That makes sense. What I've done is ambitious. The same ambition that causes corruption at the top. I deserve prison. And they'd deserve prison too, if they weren't so lucky." (edited)
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IO kicks Grobber. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Life has meaning! It has value! Everyone is born for their own unique greatness! That’s the power of Ideology! People are more sacred than anything else! Gods bow down to the power of worship because anything that thinks it’s greater than mankind has got nothing on the unflinching power of the human spirit!"
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"I think if a person was to feel any positive emotions about bullshit ideologies, in cost for anything negative about them, I would rather take the other road."
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Grobber cries a little bit, but says nothing.
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"Hav Kerloe succeeds at everything he does despite being mentally ill. At this point it's clear! But he has to be held up by people in order to get to that point! People that manipulate his every move, and give him little say while he thinks he does."
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"There’s nothing bullshit about ideology! It’s the greatest force in the world!" He smirks. "And trust me, Hav Kerloe has faaaaar from succeeded at anything."
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"it's bullshit... admit it... you're an animal... you're a fucking caveman."
3:06 PM
"just muscle, sinew, and guts."
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"Cavemen rose above the animals even then! Only it mastered the power of fire!"
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"Please... hit me again." He's crying harder.
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Ehn/PC
"There’s nothing bullshit about ideology! It’s the greatest force in the world!" He smirks. "And trust me, Hav Kerloe has faaaaar from succeeded at anything."
"Exactly! He believes that he's contributing to the cycle of life! When he hasn't contributed to anything at all! Fish are independent of their own lives! They eat sleep and fuck on their own terms! They die on their own terms too! But hav is being lifted up by these people! He isn't living! He's just an commodity!" (edited)
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"Hav Kerloe… And fish? What’s the connection?"
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"HAV KERLOE IS THE PERSON DOING THIS! THERE IS NO CONNECTION!"
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"Then why are you talking about fish!?"
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"...does literally everyone in this town know the same twelve people?"
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"Stop gaslighting me into thinking there's something interesting about all this. Point of the matter, he's basically a dead person."
3:09 PM
"Do you... do you have any drugs?" I say this to grobber (edited)
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"mine. My drugs. Beg SM for more."
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"No drugs!"
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"You appreciate the ideals of ideologies, and yet you disdain from people having the freedom to do drugs. Are you sure you aren't just like us?"
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"Drugs aren’t anything like ideology, they’re the opposite. Sheesh, do you even read theory?"
gigachad 2
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"If a person was a medical doctor and decided that drugs can cure medicine, and then set up a drug cartel, then that's an ideology!"
3:13 PM
"He believes that law doesn't exist for the path of greatness, even when the law is there to protect people as well, which is why drug cartels are bad."
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"Drug cartels are great for the guys on top! The addicts are the ones destroying their own ideologies, so they have to change. Simple as that."
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"Ideology, if I call people animals again, will you kick my head?"
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"You say that they "destroy their own ideologies" but you haven't said anything about why."
3:16 PM
"Addiction can show the boundaries people enjoy about living. How fast they are to tarnish it."
3:16 PM
"They can have different reactions for being an addict. Such as thinking that they need this to live, or that its a gateway for them to deserve death."
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"Drugs weaken the mind, and the body… They’re like poison! They wilt away at your ideology until you’re convinced you’d rather poison yourself than be happy." (edited)
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Grobber sighs. "Can you all take this conversation somewhere else? I've had a rough day... I need some sleep."
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"But he’s your new cellmate."
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Grobber slowly crawls to his bed.
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"Hav Kerloe.... he needs to die. He needs to show how useless he is in this world when he's finally gone."
3:27 PM
"I care about him too much to have his torment happen to anyone else."
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"Is Hav even still alive? I figure he’d have died by now-" IO. "Night time! Everyone return to your cells!" The guards yell out from outside.
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"Of course..."
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"He probably is. I think. Whatever it is, I'm just going to provide myself with food and sleep, and live."
3:29 PM
"Good night, Jeff. Sophie. Ethfan. Edward. Wilford. Naomi. Matrick. Gordon."
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"You guys better do better tomorrow. You’re really disappointing me like this!" IO leaves.
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((where does IO leave to))
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((He leaves the cell))
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"What. You can just do that?"
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"He's got another cell, Jackson."
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"Oh."
3:31 PM
"Good night."
3:32 PM
"Goodnight. Live your life when I inevitably worm you out of this."
3:32 PM
"For me, I'll be staying up. Not like you will be seeing anything I will be doing."
3:33 PM
A bunch of other characters Bob met in his route say goodnight.
3:33 PM
Bob goes to sleep. Ready to wait an eternity until chapter 9.
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((Bob finished chapter 8.))
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Grobber tries to sleep, massaging his wounds. He coughs, and shrivels into a ball, and eventually loses consciousness.
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((Grobber finished chapter 8))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / dana-craig
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Dana Craig wakes up the next morning.
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Yeah. I check what day it is on my phone because I forgot.
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Monday.
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Ugh. I… oh, I don’t have a real job, yeah. Still. I check the job listing I made for the convenience store I technically own. Remember that? That never stopped being something that happened.
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There are a few interested applicants. Mostly teenagers looking for part time jobs.
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I send out follow-ups asking for interview availability to the three with the funniest names. This is capitalism at its peak.
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There's a knock at Dana's door.
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I sigh, quickly straightening myself up a little, then open the door, looking to see who it is first if I can.
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It's Ariel.
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“Good morning.” Uh, wait, should I add like, a pet name or term of affection? Shit, I don’t know. Maybe that would still be too weird at this point.
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"Good morning!" Ariel.
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I smile. “Um, any plans for today?”
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"For once... Yes. Could I come in?" She smiles politely.
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Oh no. What does that mean. Is this her wanting to get like, money from me or whatever? Like that guy I don’t know the name of complained about. I mean, I wouldn’t care. “Yeah, of course.”
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"I know this isn't usually how we work... But I was hoping you could do me a favor."
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“Sure! Yes. Okay. That’s fine, yeah.”
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"Oh, and by the way, I'm using he/him pronouns today. I do that sometimes. I guess I forgot to mention it."
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“Mm.” Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?
2:50 PM
What?
2:52 PM
I mean, it’s what you wanted, right? You think she’s a man. I didn’t fucking ask for this, moron! Stupid, stupid, fucking idiot! Why would I want to fuck with whatever identity she has like this?! It’s not my god damn business what she calls herself. But it is now. But not in a way that should manifest itself like this.
2:53 PM
Say something, you fucking cunt! She’s gonna think you’re crazy or hate her. “What did you want my help with?”
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"Well... Do you remember my boss from yesterday?"
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This has nothing to do with you, obviously. Wrongthink isn’t real. She couldn’t know your weird fucking mind breakdowns. This is her being some dumb online hipster. “Yeah. That guy.”
2:55 PM
But… fuck, let me have a break! I just started being able to sort this shit out…
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"Well... I couldn't stop thinking about him, and then I thought about the revenge we got on Mats and..." She describes these crimes both hypothetical and past with more lighthearted embarrassment than actual self-awareness. "Do you think you could do that again? Just for once?"
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Would this be the ideal? You can be basically with a woman while still abiding by the conventions of what the fuck did she just say “Well…”
3:01 PM
“I mean, yeah. That would definitely be something I could do.” ?????????????? Look. I’m a criminal. I’m rude. I’m the ‘bad guy’. But I’m not a bad person, okay? I’m doing what it takes to survive. What brings me financial security. Well, maybe I am a bad person, but then who fucking isn’t?
3:03 PM
I never lost a wink of sleep over poor fucking Marco Gould. He was a piece of shit and I more than justified the investment of killing him.
3:03 PM
I can’t dehumanize him as some junkie criminal lunatic, either. I met personally that guy who was clearly gay for him or whatever.
3:04 PM
Ariel… May………
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"Could you make him steal... From my parents?"
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She’s… not a bad person. I already understand she has her reasons for these eccentricities. I ought to want to know more of them. If… “Oh. Yeah, sure.” Huh.
3:06 PM
That’s it?
3:06 PM
Well, okay.
3:06 PM
What exactly was I GOING to do?
3:07 PM
This is more than fine. “Can I ask why? I don’t imagine you need that money. Is it just a way to get him off your back?”
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"I don't think my personal things really matter here." She dodges the question.
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What? Is this an attempt to take advantage of me? Hell, is the pronoun thing a calculated act? To make me feel victimized and caught off guard? This isn’t how… “I think it matters greatly. It determines what I’m even going to be doing. Like, what or how much am I supposed to steal? Am I supposed to get caught or get away with it? I don’t understand… have I not earned your trust? I already know most of the situation…” I non-pathetically assert my will in this relationship.
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"Oh, it's nothing like that. It's just... I paid for a lot of my life through lovers, so... I think my parents could afford to pay me back a bit."
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My stomach turns. I tell every voice in my head springing up at this point to shut the fuck up. Why would that matter? It doesn’t matter. That’s the past. “He… would know I did it, though. Even if he wouldn’t know it was me.” It seems pretty clear Ariel has a lot of stuff going on. She’s not like you. She’s lived a full, messy life. Neglect and disappointment from her parents, and a revolving door of failed relationships… Hah. Thinking of it that way, perhaps we are just fellow screw-ups.
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"He would? Why?"
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There is no way for me to repair what exists in Ariel. The classic ‘I can fix her’ fallacy. She has some complex of dependency and manipulative behavior. I don’t even really think therapy works for something like this, assuming it ever works. All I can do… what I would like to do… is make her life as pleasant as possible even with whatever she’s become. And then maybe, when I’ve proven myself and given no excuse for leaving, she does the same. “People are aware of what happens when I take control of them. It happened with you remember? There… I mean, it’s certainly possible to prevent him from getting us into trouble…” I’ve had enough of people who like me. I want to be… I stop my own thoughts for being embarrassing. Whatever it takes.
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"Yeah, but he wouldn't know it's us, would he?"
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“Well… no. I just think it might be an easy guess if he concludes it’s something with a responsible party.”
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"Hm... Maybe that would be better though, right? It's not like he can prove it... And he knows who put him there, so we have a pretty big impact on him."
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“I guess it doesn’t matter too much. But Scott already tracked me down somehow, and I doubt I’ll get lucky twice. I just… will hope nobody takes him seriously.” More than hope. I’m fully capable of disposing of him at any point. “I do need to know his name, though.”
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"Jeremy Baxter."
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Dumb name. “Okay. And then… I mean, I’d also need to know where your parents are, what I’m supposed to be taking, how to dispose of it in a way where you’ll be able to retrieve it. There’s a lot of smaller parts to this.”
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"Oh... I didn't think that far ahead."
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I sigh. “It’s annoying, yeah. I mean, we can just agree on a drop-off point that isn’t monitored for the last part.”
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"I'll trust what you decide."
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I specify a bench by some public park. Riveting stuff. “I’m just… not sure about this. We have money. And if it comes to it, there are plenty of ways to stop people from bothering you. But I did agree to do you a favor. So if you’re sure…”
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"Thank you."
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((yeah imdone))
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((Saturday))
Ehn/PC pinned a message to this channel. 4/21/2023 2:44 PM
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((what the fuck))
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((Sam: Look, I respect Bob, I think he’s a great content creator. Ok, no I don’t, but whatever, I could tolerate it. But this tfw no gf shit, I just… I couldn’t get on board with it. Like, what, it’s just basically Sentasaurus 1 but it’s about being obsessed with Ariel May? What? Bob: Rise of the Craiglin arc sort of fell apart without Sam. I just couldn’t bring myself to go on after he left. [sentasauruspensive sprite]))
2:50 PM
((It’s genius because Ariel being her girlfriend (female) is on an unpredictable schedule Dana can’t handle))
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((sajdbasjkdbajdaj))
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((Oh actually Michelle is the scientist friend that helps turn Norman into the riblin then dies))
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"Thank you."
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“I—I heard you the first time, yeah. I just…” Anything to get away from here. After double checking the information of the place I’m supposed to go, I get ready to actually do the thing.
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((This isn’t a repetition in universe I just repost it so you know what to respond to))
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((I’m aware of your intent im just evil))
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These preparations work.
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What am I doing? Am I going soft? This is pointless. It’s some irrational, emotional compulsion. We don’t need money. We don’t need to aggravate these people. Revenge? For what? I don’t… I keep changing my answer for what exactly the nature of her relationship with this guy is. Best to not dwell on it.
2:12 PM
Am I making a poorly planned decision because I love her?
2:13 PM
…Ha ha. No. I actually internal-monologue-think the set of sounds Ha Ha. It’s him, right? And I don’t have anything to like about him.
2:17 PM
I do not like ANYTHING that has happened today. I check my phone idly before going. It’s about communication. Setting boundaries. Ariel is under some sort of misunderstanding.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Online / twitter / immxrtxlity007
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(Pronouns changed to she/they. “Minors DNI” added.)
2:18 PM
jerkths guy off
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FungalMessiah is now following you.
2:20 PM
FungalMessiah has stopped following you.
2:21 PM
((Preceding gif not canon))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / dana-craig
2:22 PM
I put away my phone. Nothing of interest there. I think that might’ve been a problem for me. Dad… or even mom. At least one of them had to be there to rein me in. Or even to not do that! It’s a matter of significance to not enable bad behavior in any kind of relationship, platonic or romantic. Not reining me in made me wild, but not letting me make my own mistakes and suffer the consequences for them made me worthless. I never grew stronger, I just decayed in a gilded cage. I will give Ariel the struggle she needs. Yes, that’s exactly it. It’s because it’s a bad idea that I need to do it.
2:26 PM
This is an absurd idea. It’s trying to use a coworker of Ariel May as a weapon against the parents of Ariel May. Isn’t she an only child? Anyway. Very likely trouble comes of this. To her specifically. And when it does? She’ll be spooked, but I’ll be there and fix things to make sure her life doesn’t fall apart. She learns an important lesson about the responsibility that comes with power, feels gratitude to me in more than one way, everybody wins. (edited)
2:27 PM
I have the police on my side. I can be anyone. I should be invincible if I don’t fuck up irreparably.
2:27 PM
Anyone…
2:28 PM
Wonder how Ariel would feel if I tried to romance her in the body of some gross dude. Fuckin’ Grobber or whatever. Well, he’s not THAT bad looking. I don’t think, at least? …Any answer to that ticks me off.
2:29 PM
“Okay. It’s time.” I nod to Ariel, then write Jeremy Baxter in the notebook.
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Dana finds herself mopping the floor of a department store. The surroundings are reminiscent of several of Ariel's selfies.
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((I guess she would stare through her socials, yeah.))
2:31 PM
Anyone else in the place right now?
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Some customers and other employees.
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…Definitely a bad idea. But it was bad on purpose, right? What time is it, around?
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Relatively early morning.
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Right. I continue mopping for a minute or so as I think things over.
2:37 PM
I wrap up like. Whatever area I was mopping for the time being. I check my (his) pockets.
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He has a phone, a wallet, and keys.
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Understandable. I head to the bathroom so I don’t look like a weirdo fiddling with his own belongings in the middle of a store. Like, the men’s bathroom.
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Dana arrives in the men's bathroom.
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cool
2:40 PM
I check my wallet. The license especially, just to make sure I’m who I should be.
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You are indeed Jeremy Baxter.
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Good, good. The phone. Does it need a passcode to unlock?
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It unlocks from Jeremy’s face.
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I forgot that was a thing these could do. … This was really just to ensure I could contact someone or search for information if it became necessary.
2:45 PM
But… I check through his text message history.
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Dana doesn’t recognize any names, but 2 of his contacts have the last name May.
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Well, I try to keep all the names in the back of my mind just in case. For the Mays, I take note of the first names of these two. A man and a woman, I presume? I also check the address if there is one and the messages for them if there are any.
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Jeremy is on good terms with Ariel’s father, Randy May. Their most recent conversation consists mostly of insulting Ariel and calling him a mistake, followed by Randy apologizing for forcing Jeremy to take him on. They only ever use he/him pronouns, and Randy refers to him as 'Oliver' rather than Ariel. Jeremy and Rosanne May are on slightly stranger terms. Rosanne seems to express regret about an event the last time they met but does not elaborate further. Jeremy feels he was 'owed' it. There’s no mention of Ariel.
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I sigh.
3:04 PM
That’s not what I wanted.
3:07 PM
But what did you want? Objectively, this was the only new relevant information you’d really find. The address was confirming pre-existing knowledge, maybe useful. But obviously the only novel relevant information you could learn from these messages would be about… …Ariel.
3:08 PM
I mean, obviously I don’t give a shit if this woman is cheating on her husband with a guy named Jeremy Baxter or whatever that part is. Probably never gonna think about it again.
3:11 PM
Okay, actually, I really need to not dwell on that right now. But Ariel…
3:11 PM
God, who fucking cares?!
3:12 PM
Maybe if this happened a few days ago, but what new information is this providing?! Whoop-de-doo, she’s not one of the people uninspired enough to just alter their real name.
3:12 PM
Birth name. Whatever.
3:13 PM
There’s no mystery here, no tactical advantage. All it gives me is reminders of what I already had to know on various levels, and… I slam my fist on the nearest surface. Rage.
3:14 PM
How could you do this, Ariel?
3:14 PM
I leave the bathroom. That’s enough fucking jerking off over how cautious I can be.
3:14 PM
How could you…
3:16 PM
It was idleness for me. Maybe you’d call that worse, a hypothetical pure neutral observer would deem that worse.
3:16 PM
But it makes sense.
3:17 PM
Living things… they have a tendency towards homeostasis. If they gave animals infinite food, the cage wouldn’t be necessary. They just can’t do that for practical and health reasons.
3:18 PM
Even with some minor negative reinforcement, it can be slipped by. If you boil a frog slowly enough… well, maybe that was a myth. But still, it says something true.
3:18 PM
Paradox of the heap.
3:19 PM
But that didn’t fucking happen, Ariel! They actively made your life worse! They fucking hate you!
3:20 PM
Why do you still need them? Why do you still have to suck up to people who willingly associate with them?
3:21 PM
I’m leaving the store. What is this guy, a fucking janitor? Who the hell’s gonna notice? ((Dana Craig is not thinking rationally.))
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No one cares.
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You know, I could do that at least. I adapted when I was forced to, thank fuckin’ god.
3:22 PM
Why can’t you? Why all that stuff I said before?
3:23 PM
Why am I not enough?
3:23 PM
3:23 PM
And why do you still cling to the ghost of what they wanted from you?
3:25 PM
I read those studies. Gender dysphoria? It’s legit. Rock solid foundation, science-ways. Stands uncontested for decades. I’m not being some coward in denial; she’s obviously got her own quirks, but Ariel’s womanhood is objectively verifiable.
3:26 PM
But this new age gender shit has nothing. Nobody REALLY has any idea what even they themselves are saying with that. (edited)
3:28 PM
What the fuck does that \possibly* mean, for you to be a man some days? In what sense?*
3:29 PM
Not presentation. Personality? Some ethereal standard of manness?
3:30 PM
Okay, fine! So there are fundamental differences between men and women on a mental level, sure?! I’ll take it, I have no stake, but you better not contradict that sentiment!
3:31 PM
How the fuck am I a woman, huh? What makes that true?
3:33 PM
I’m not attracted to men. I’m not kind, or empathetic, I certainly can’t prepare food well. I wouldn’t accuse anyone of believing any of these specifically, but it’s gotta be something, right? Does Jeremy Baxter’s keys include one for a car?
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There’s a car key.
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((In this message, Dana Craig says a slur.)) And I mean, if you told me it was a matter of grammar, that could be internally consistent, if retarded. But that leaves me nowhere! I wouldn’t give a shit if someone called me he, I probably just wouldn’t recognize they were talking to me! I’ve been called worse, believe me. Is the car parked outside the store?
3:37 PM
Or maybe it’s about perception, huh? If everyone believes something, it becomes true? Fuck you! Plenty of ugly people wouldn’t get that.
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The car is parked outside the store.
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I’m certainly not treated as any sort of abstract woman. ((Scipe checks the DMs, confirming that while Dana doesn’t have a car, she does have a driver’s license, meaning she does have some approximation of the ability to drive.)) I get in the car. I carry pepper spray every fucking day in case something happens. Not the best part of town, right? That’s what I was warned about when I moved here! Wow, thanks for the courtesy, people!
3:45 PM
But until my life decided to become a clusterfuck mafia thriller, nothing happened! It’s not just the lack of any violent incidents; nothing at all happened in transit on the streets of Avengard. No catcalling. One aesthetic compliment six months ago. I’m not one of those fucking girls with the luxury of complaining about how people have positive thoughts about them. Me? I’m Dana! I’m Craig! Here’s what I’ve got! The first time I was a woman someone was attracted to was a week ago when I stole the body of one, and it wasn’t even a fucking woman like me.
3:47 PM
Who can blame em, really! Too unkempt. Too flat. Too dreary. Too plain, not plain enough, like a goth girl in a world of idiotic jocks with their shallow standards. Not that she ever actually bothers with some kind of ‘aesthetic’.
3:49 PM
But that’s fine! Recently I’ve accepted that I shouldn’t even want that, so there!!!! Lesbians have a lower dating pool, right? They have to have lower standards, yeah? Tough fucking luck, idiot! Everyone and their mothers decided they’re bisexual now. You have to make the first move to scrape up someone who’s probably just mocking you in her own way.
3:50 PM
So what, I fail as a woman, so I have to be a man? Is that what Big Gender has in store for me, what Ariel May thinks of me? YOU THINK YOU CAN DECIDE WHO I AM FOR ME, YOU SHITHEADS?!
3:53 PM
Fine. That’s fine. They are welcome to try. It’s nature, right? Survival of the fittest. For ideas. That’s what Metal Gear was about, actually. I think. Something like that. But I have the right to exert my will and throw my own hat in the ring. That was the whole point. I gave up the old me to Ehn in exchange for being more than a fake piece, for the right to play.
3:56 PM
I say I’m a woman. I say Ariel May is a woman. Because she can’t separate herself from her past, she sometimes self-identifies as a man. A dissociative shift in identity? Really? Are you sure you aren’t trying to impress someone, impress the ghost of the family who hates you sooooo much, who always is there to have your back at making you feel inferior, who brought you into this world in the fundamental agony of all humans creating an imbalance that can never be corrected? Are you sure it’s not that? A coincidence you shove yourself into the exact sort of things that make you miserable.
3:57 PM
I turn the key and start driving to the address. Some gps on the phone or something, I bet.
3:59 PM
I laugh out loud out of nervousness, but also confidence. I am in full control. These are the trappings and spooks of society, but in the end, I can do anything, and other people can’t. It is a matter of correcting my own delusions as I correct those of people who matter to me.
4:00 PM
A shame the only therapist I know is some cultist mafioso! I wouldn’t trust any of them with this task, though.
4:01 PM
I randomly pull over during the drive, thinking of something. I search for both the parents online. What kind of family is she from? What kind of work? Are they well off?
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No results.
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Haha. Nobodies. Ah well.
4:04 PM
I search through the trunk and seats of the now parked car. Anything that can be used as a weapon? Just in case, of course.
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He has a gun.
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What the fuck? Why would…
4:08 PM
Loaded?
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No. There’s a box((?)) of bullets separately.
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Perhaps he’s just paranoid? I load the gun.
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This happens.
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I sit back in the driver’s seat of the car. …
4:26 PM
At this time, at a crossroads, I think again of The Binding of Eric.
4:28 PM
Multiple choices, all locking you off from different futures, all with their benefits which depend on pre-existing conditions. You do not get to confidently assert which path is the best (it’s not path C.), as there’s too many different possible worlds to contemplate all of them.
4:29 PM
Decision paralysis is common for people because of how messy life is.
4:30 PM
But there is no way to pause in real life. Making no choice can be worse than making the wrong one.
4:35 PM
Let’s at least narrow the scope a little. No more stealth missions. I take out his phone and write up a text to Rosanne.
I’m done lying. We settle this today.
…Hmm. I don’t hit send. It’s possible neither of them are home, though… I wasn’t able to find out their jobs. Plus, even this vague comment making sense has some assumptions built in. Uugggghhh. I’m doing it right after I talked about doing it.
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I drive the rest of the way to the address, trying to remain a distance from the house where no one in there would be able to see me.
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Ariel is standing just out of sight from the house, looking around. She’s dressed strangely.
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Fuck.
4:48 PM
It’s going to be challenging to persuade her of anything if she actually sees what happens.
4:49 PM
Why is she here? She never said anything about this.
4:49 PM
Does she intend to act as a distraction for me to steal… whatever?
4:50 PM
Or is this an attempt to check that I’m doing as I was told?
4:51 PM
Strangely how? Like. More um. Y’know…
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More manly.
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Yeah. I feel lightheaded.
4:53 PM
And she… she left me. She left me alone and unguarded and alone and vulnerable and unconscious and alone and alone and alone and alone and alone and alone and alone and alone
4:54 PM
((did ariel ever say a: what she had actually wanted me to steal b: if her parents would be likely to be there at the time))
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((No))
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Hhaaaaannghhhh AAAAAAGGGGRHGGG No fancy faked messages. No fabricating a motive. What did all my effort to do that with Mats amount to? Another silent corpse. Let’s let everyone else decide what Jeremy Baxter meant by this!
5:01 PM
I get out of the car. With the gun. Who were you? Who are any of these people? Ah, I’m sorry Ariel. So sorry, so sorry… the poor girl. It’s such a finnicky ability, you know. The slightest wrong glimpse and I’m booted out!
5:03 PM
How can anyone ever hope to prove what I did? When anyone was anyone. It’s all just flesh and blood, the objective truth.
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Ariel notices Dana runs over to her.
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Who do you think they’d blame if something unfortunate happened between this group of people, you fucking idiot? I’ll sell you out in an instant. There was obviously noth—oh god
5:04 PM
I stare at Ariel.
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"Just so you know, Jeremy… This was all me." She barely gets these words out.
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Wh……at….?
5:12 PM
I’m not going to faint here, I’m not… I take a deep breath. And I fucking think. Time to decide, asshole! All else remains the same, that deadlock. This new information is all you get. Why? Why, why, why! Forget what she said, that’s a whole different issue, WHY DOES SHE THINK I’M HIM?! Is it to test the waters? She’s just not sure who I could be? Makes no sense. Why would he be here. Why not say something vague. Why would she think I’m him WHY would she think I’m him? Did she think she could do something that called me back? That already failed with Jay why would she do that why assume… Oh no. No, she couldn’t have. Noooo.
5:13 PM
If Ariel doesn’t say anything else immediately… I walk past her, towards the house.
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She follows.
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Hah. Maybe it’s her twin. Classic trope. I give up. What was the point of any of this? I knew from the beginning, the whole whoooole time.
5:15 PM
I walk towards the front door specifically. Wonder if she’ll object to that.
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She rings the doorbell.
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Of course not. No objections. Not even any communication. What was the actual point of any of this? Whether I’m Dana or Jeremy, what’s happening now? Is she checking they’re not home in the dumbest way possible?
5:19 PM
Maybe she’s deferring to your judgement, you stupid asshole. That was what you wanted, right? You didn’t want someone who would talk back or contradict you or have an earnest normal view of you. Shut the fuuuuuuck up.
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An adult man, presumably Randy, opens the door. "Jeremy? …And Oliver too. I didn’t expect you 2 here." "I… asked him to bring me here." Ariel.
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I nod. I fucking guess??? I’m not like. Holding the fucking gun to be clear it’s holstered or pocketed or whatever
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"You're dressing decently again." Randy remarks at Ariel. Ariel speaks in the most uncomfortable tone imaginable. "Uh-huh... I'm normal now."
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What is this? What is this???? I didn’t agree to this.
5:34 PM
Give me something some ulterior motive to work with some reason some
5:35 PM
What, is this a diversion for me to do fucking whatever? The thing I don’t even know?
5:35 PM
Is this the whole thing? You lie about yourself for their favor did you mean steal metaphorically and you need me for this?
5:35 PM
Why why why why why
5:36 PM
Is this a confession of something? Something she couldn’t tell me directly?
5:36 PM
I don’t know if my expression is functional right now. I’m trying.
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"Finally." Randy. "Can we... Come in?" Ariel. "...Fine." Randy lets them in.
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I enter.
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It's a normal looking house, even kind of on the cheap side. They really don't look rich at all.
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Haha. Yeah. Ha.
5:41 PM
I eye a clock if there’s one around. Five minutes. If I still don’t understand what’s going on by then, I… I’m…
5:41 PM
I don’t know! I don’t know I don’t know why would you think I would know?!
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Ariel whispers in Jeremy's ear. "There should be a safe in my mom's room." Then she sits down on a couch. "So... How are you, Jeremy?" Randy.
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WHAT “Good. Great, even! Real…. Just ‘keeping it real’ as they say, haha. Definitely not the turn of phrase that suits me.” What the fuck does this guy sound like again? Oh, christ.
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"Really? Weren't you just complaining about Oliver buying you out recently? What changed?" Randy.
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Do you want me to… wait until his back is turned???? Why the mom’s room, oh god… wait, separate….nggggh!
5:53 PM
Whatever. I can do anything. “Really? Yeah, I guess I was a little caught off guard at first, a little annoyed. But the finances checked out, and…. I don’t know. Life’s too short to get stuck on that sort of pride. Part of me’s still working through it, but it’d be rude to bring it up here. I’d certainly be a bit offended if you came into my house to insult me or my family. It’s just… not the most important thing right now.”
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"You forgave him so easily? Don't tell me he used those surgeries of his on you." Randy gestures towards his daughter's chest. Ariel says nothing.
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“Ah, I see. Sorry, I just wasn’t sure what kind of conversation this was gonna be. I can go there. So, Randy, how do you feel about it?”
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"Hm? What?" Randy. "Da- Jeremy, you probably shouldn't argue with him..." Ariel. "What was that? What were you just about to call him?" Randy.
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“Personally, I’d understand finding it a complete outrage from your point of view. I just wanted to hear it directly.”
5:59 PM
((Oh I’m in Shelk))
6:00 PM
((Epic))
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"Yes, of course it's an outrage. To do something like this... Without even telling us... It's practically elder abuse." Randy.
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“Yes, I understand. Just as it damaged my pride to see my store bought, it must have damaged yours to see your child succeed without your involvement. I can’t imagine how that would feel.”
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"Succeed? I mean, come on Jeremy... Delusion isn't really success." Randy. (edited)
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“Well, maybe. Though I’d probably prefer to be deluded with money than deluded without it.” I chuckle sensibly, then look up as if I just heard something. “Is someone else… here?”
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"Rosanne's… Away." Randy.
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“I see.” I smile. “Just thought I heard something.” Yes… Hahaha… yes! Fuck all of you! I have complete command of the situation now. I’m in the zone.
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"That’s probably the dog." Randy. "You bought a dog?" Ariel. "No, neighbours have one. Just loud." Randy.
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“Makes sense, mhm.” A great conversation.
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"But really though, what was he trying to call you earlier?" Randy does not ask Ariel about this.
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“I assume he was saying for both of us to stop fighting? Me and you, the father.”
6:55 PM
Wonder if that works. Maybe the guy will be insanely paranoid. I can deal with either way. Maybe it’s more fun if things heat up, actually…
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"So he was trying to say dad? He hasn’t called me that since he was a child. No, it sounds like he was about to call you-" Randy. "Dad!" Ariel finally shouts, and then awkwardly winds down. "See…? I say it." (edited)
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((Ok I was gonna say lol))
6:59 PM
“I don’t know. It doesn’t particularly interest me. We all stutter on occasion. What are you trying to insinuate, Randy? We’re reasonable adults that sling out vulgar accusations to people immediately after they enter the house; you can feel free to speak openly.”
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"Jeremy, come on… You have to see the suspicion here… These (trans slur)s are always scheming something, and now he walks in here pretending it’s all over. This is just like those bathrooms." Randy.
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“I see. Truthfully, I can’t speak on his intents for certain. I’m just a courteous man with his own interests. I find you very interesting, Randy. You start a conversation making comments about your son’s body and sex life, and then attempt to treat your suspicion delicately? The stress must be confusing you.” I stop to yawn. “Well, it brings up one question. Can you not trust your wife, either?”
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"I’m sorry? What’s gotten into you Jeremy…?" Randy.
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“Oh, come now. This is healthy! You imply I’m fucking a member of your family, I imply you aren’t. Clearly a lot of tension was already bubbling underneath the surface. I can’t stand fake friends; relationships founded on lying to one another. How is that any different than a delusion?” I’m barely trying to hide my smirk. (edited)
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"Do you really want to bring it there?" He stands up angrily. Ariel shrinks back into her chair but says nothing.
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“I don’t know, do you? I’m just enjoying the process of the conversation. Friend or foe, it’s a lot less of a pain to talk to you than this one.” I gesture to Ariel. “You’re much simpler.”
7:12 PM
I stand up as well, with relaxed posture.
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"Simpler? What does that mean? Are you calling me (ableist slur)ed?" Randy.
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“No, nothing of the sort. You’re fine. Come on, can’t we bond over this? Insulting your son seems to be basically all you’re up for. I’m trying to be accommodating.”
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He grabs a beer laying around and chugs it without answering.
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“Hah. Well, maybe the novelty’s run out.” I slowly, casually wandering, alter my position to one that can easily see both Ariel and Randy at once. I pull out the gun. “There’s no medical explanation for it, Randy. You’re the regular kind of idiot, just like your son. No cure for that. Now let’s all play nice and make this easy, hm?” I glance between the two of them, on alert.
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Randy throws the beer can at Dana and then falls over.
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“Always the disappointment. I’ve a flight to catch. Things are getting too dicey in Avengard. Just wanted to say farewell, first!” I move slightly closer, but not enough that he could reach me. “I’ve always hated you, Randy. It made me furious how easy you made it to pretend otherwise. This has been a long time coming. I think you should wonder where everything wrong with your kid came from! Probably did some good to be disowned, really. The one bit of parenting you can be thanked for. Not good enough to not be dumb as bricks, though.” I turn to Ariel with a twisted grin. “I mean, what was the plan here? Find some closure by lying to the guy? Jeez!” I turn back to Randy, and start backing up to the direction of the mother’s room which I’m going to hope I know.
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Ariel subtly points to the correct room. Randy starts crying.
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“I’m not a cradle robber, friend. Why would I have sex with your kid? Give me a little fucking credit. It’s your wife. That’s how I know where you keep your valuables. Though things have fallen off with her as well. It’s a pain for me too, really. But it’ll soothe the struggle of these tumultuous days coming up to imagine you penniless, having to beg for scraps from the idiot son you hate for managing more than you ever could. Have fun!” I run off to the room.
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It’s a rather generic bedroom. There’s a small safe to the left of the bed.
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Oh, thank God it’s not hidden. I… Well, it’s locked, right? Assuming it is I just take the whole thing.
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It is locked by a number combination. ((Roll))
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((10.))
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It’s too heavy.
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“Damn. I forgot that about safes.” The one hitch in an otherwise perfect plan. “What the hell, did you change the combination?” I yell back to where the two of them are, checking their positions. “Look, I’ll kill you if you don’t tell me, etc etc, we all know how this goes.”
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Randy is getting up. He’s crying. Ariel is still just sitting in the chair.
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“Wrong choice.” I am going to shoot Randy May in the leg.
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((Roll))
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One day I’ll get the hang of these things.
7:49 PM
((18))
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It works. He falls over and shrieks in pain.
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“Well? Jeez.”
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"MotherFUCKer… Why are you doing this to me, Jeremy? Jeremy… I’ve always been here for you Jeremy… Jeremy…" He’s sobbing.
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Yeesh. “I suppose you were tolerable for a time. Sorry, but life is simply unfair. You’ll get over it. Or would if you lived.” I pause. “A murder charge DOES make ‘em way more persistent, so I’d like to avoid that…” I glance over to Ariel. “What about you? I imagine you’re far less likely to take a bullet… though if they really changed it recently and I’m not just misremembering, there’s no way in hell you’d know. Hmph…”
8:01 PM
“Well, you’ve got three more limbs. I’ll give you a minute to remember, Randy. But you really should remember. Even economically, dealing with bullet wounds is more costly than whatever pittance you’ve got.”
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"Rosanne never told me! I swear!" Randy.
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“I hate that I’m almost tempted to believe that. What the hell is she keeping in there, then? Buddy, that is one hell of a red flag.”
8:05 PM
“Ahhh… Ariel — Randy, I’m calling her this as well as a her to spite you, not for her sake — what’s your birthday? That sort of sappy nonsense feels like the stereotypical answer.”
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"February 14th." Ariel. "Barely! Everyone knows before 1AM doesn't count!" Randy.
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“How the fuck is this something to argue over?! There is something seriously wrong in this house, and it’s not the criminal. Ugh.” I try combinations of the birthday alone or the birthday with the year, and then also the day before and after since there’s some ambiguity apparently. There is… no way this actually works. But at least I can say I tried.
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None of these work.
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… I try shooting the lock of the safe.
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((Roll))
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((For fucking what. I am shooting a BULLET at POINT BLANK at a STATIONARY TARGET what is the factor at play here. the strength of the safe????? do i control that?????? fuck you))
8:19 PM
((14))
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It breaks open.
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Great. What’s in there
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Inside is a pair of beautiful yellow and black earrings. They kind of look like bees. They're also clearly expensive.
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I sigh. Sure. Fine. Whatever. I take the bees and book it.
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"Jeremyyyyyyyyy-" Randy calls after Dana but is incapable of following. Dana easily escapes on her own.
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Great. Whatever we agreed on doing after the booty was secured I go do. If we didn’t come up with a plan which. I feel like we did then. idk. ((can you tell I’m tired ))
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((Are you saying you want to stop here))
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((sure))
8:38 PM
((i craiged out too much and wasn’t productive today. hopefully the value was wrth it))
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((End session))
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((Saturday))
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Dana is at a bench by some public park.
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So I am. Good thing we planned this part out.
2:06 PM
I’ll discreetly hide the goods behind a bush. From there, it’s up to Ariel to get it before I stop being able to delay the authorities. Delaying… Am I being pursued?
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Dana is not being pursued.
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Hm. Now it’s the only question we really ever had. Life or death for Jeremy? Hm.
2:10 PM
In hindsight, I guess that bizarre bit of “taking credit” back there was Ariel covering for me in the situation he lives to tell the tale.
2:11 PM
Does that mean it’s what she expects?
2:11 PM
I don’t think she CARES about him. I mean, he clearly got along well with her fuckin’ parents.
2:13 PM
I think she’s just a soft-hearted person. She doesn’t have the desire to cause anyone’s death, as conniving as this whole scheme is.
2:13 PM
I’ll be doing her a favor.
2:13 PM
And anyway, my lies were too elaborate. I don’t think this ends well if he can give his side of the story. The only question is how?
2:14 PM
Suicide by cop would be ideal… but frankly, as long as he dies, it’s all the same.
2:15 PM
Do I recognize this area?
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Anywhere nearby I can die from a fall? That seems ideal. If the landing is water, they’ll also have more doubts about if some evidence was swept away.
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Avengard is an island and there are a lot of tall buildings.
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Well, I pick one. No big deal if I get in trouble on my way to do this. That’s just bringing the goal to me.
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This happens.
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No need to dwell on the details, yes. With a sufficient height advantage, I subject him to a lethal fall. It was an accident, somehow, if Ariel pushes me on it.
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Dana wakes back up in her body before she even hits the ground.
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Odd timing… And I’m still in the same place I was last?
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Correct.
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Right, then. I check my phone for any pertinent messages.
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Nothing.
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Hm. I text Ariel.
lmk when you’re able to talk!
…Also, didn’t Grobber get arrested as a stalker or something? I’d like to contact him… but I suppose that would be a no-go. I privately message @FungalMessiah on the alt I created to speak to Bob Smith. (https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/979771235938492527/1008579152821112854)
Who is this? You can’t seriously be purporting to be part of some criminal effort on a public account.
On the same alt, I privately message @LEIBLINCCEO.
I have information pertinent to the continuing existence of your company. Would you be open to an exchange of information?
Finally, I assume I’ve never been contacted again by “Bob” Smith. Time for a more aggressive approach. I publicly tweet on the alt, replying to whatever his most recent post is.
What exactly is your connection to the mafia, Nathan?
Also, I follow Ariel! My girlfriend. I don’t think I actually did that yet! ((1984 me from whatever you must but otherwise haha sucker have fun making the guide twelve years from now))
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((Does that mean you want me to post the alt tweet))
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((Sure. God forbid the Mystery isn’t preserved))
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@LEIBLICNCEO's DMs are not open. There's a knock at the door.
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Oh well. I’m bound to get SOMETHING interesting. I check who is at the door.
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Grace is standing there, holding a bong.
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Oh, god. …I exit my home.
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"Hey, Dana..."
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“Hello.”
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"I need your help."
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I sigh. “Why?”
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"I... need to catch Michelle's killer. So I can move on."
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…Hmph. I ponder the nature of their relationship. Then I stop pondering it. Whatever. “I know some things and have my own opinions, but I’m not sure I have any information you haven’t already found.”
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"I know, I'm not asking for what you know. I want to..." She looked around cautiously. "Kidnap a detective."
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I laugh. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. But I’m willing to hear more.”
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She raised the bong and spoke dramatically. "I am the Fungus."
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Oh. Hm. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
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"I'm not really sure how it works, but this thing is what gave Grobber his power." She holds it out. "I don't really need it after this, so you're free to take it."
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I hesitantly accept the “”boof””. I look at it. “I’ve never been clear on what Grobber’s actually done, really.”
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"Hobos like him. Just say you're the fungus and they'll die for you, I guess."
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“Like… mind control, or some shit?”
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"No, they just like him. I think this thing makes you invisible, or something?"
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“I—okay, whatever.” I’ll test this out later if I get the chance. “Does this thing have anything to do with your current plan?”
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"I figured you'd want something in exchange for helping me. It's not exactly like we're best friends."
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“No, I was just wondering. I don’t really have a use for this, but… it’s something. Good to know what the situation was with Grobber. And I also want to know the truth about Michelle for certain myself. Motive enough. So what are you proposing?”
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"There's a detective named Jessica James who was involved with the case, who's also handling Grobber's case. I want to know what she didn't include in the case file."
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“Oh, her. Small world. Okay. I don’t exactly have experience kidnapping people, you know.”
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"You know her?"
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“That’s an overstatement, but I know someone by that name exists and is a very obsessive by-the-books sort of cop. Had an annoying amount of conversations with the police early last week.”
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"So do you know how we could get to her?"
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You came to me without even an idea of that much??? “Not off the top of my head… Though, I mean, I might be able to look into it… if it’s a matter of location…” I’m not willing to expose everything about me to fuckin’ Grace. She better have some good reason or plan for this.
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"She's probably the police station at this time of day, right? It'd be hard to get to her there."
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“Maybe. We’d have to lure her out or something. Or wait for a more opportune time.”
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"No. This ends today."
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Ugh. Another person being completely irrational. “…Do you have a good location in mind for where you’ll ‘interrogate’ her?”
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"…I have a mask." She speaks with embarrassment.
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“Y—“ I groan. “Whatever. I think I can get her into the right place at the right time. But you need to be the one who restrains her there. I’m not willing to risk being seen.”
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"I’m supposed to actually kidnap a detective on my own?"
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“I was hoping, at least. …What sort of mask is it? Just something that obscures your face?”
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"Yes?"
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“Okay. …Gas. I have… a functioning gas mask.”
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"That works."
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Fine. I guess I’ll risk being in the area. “Actually, can’t you lure her out? She’d still be tasked with whatever remains of The Fungus, right? Maybe there’s something to leverage there.”
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"She probably wouldn’t come alone, though."
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“Hm. Yeah, true. There’d be a decent amount of people dispatched for a credible threat. Unless… there wasn’t one.” I smirk as I begin to plot tricks. “You’re the one with access to the fungus Twitter account now, yes?” (edited)
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"…Yeah? What about it?"
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“Imagine… A false flag. Imply a big move is imminent. Some location. Make it clear you’re asking for trouble. I wouldn’t really know; you can probably make up something more in line with the character’s ethos than I could. And the police take notice. Probably start getting ready for mayhem. That’s the first step.”
5:58 PM
I stroke my chin. “The diversion of resources is incidental. It’s the second half of this that does the trick. Jessica gets contacted personally by someone with information on the Fungus that could save lives. …Me. Make it credible by providing information only a true insider could know, something about the case not disclosed publicly. Something about Grobber, maybe. Enough info that even if Grobber’s already said he worked alone, they’ll think it’s a lie.”
6:02 PM
“This person—They’re a collaborator; a former one. They can’t abide by The Fungus’s current madness. A question of succession. But this mysterious person is still a criminal. They do not have enough trust in the authorities to simply waltz into the police station as an informant. They want a single individual they respect the values of from spying on the opposition. They insist they come more-or-less alone; if more than a handful of people are visible approaching the agreed upon abandoned location, they’ll flee, or worse. Allow some leeway since she’s probably not dumb enough to literally enter somewhere helpless. From there… it’s actually pretty simple to isolate her from anyone she brought with her, getting enough alone time to acquire the information we need.” Simple for me, at least. “…Though that’s just one idea, and there’s some clear points of weakness. I’m also open to something more or less complicated.”
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"I don’t have any ideas. That works."
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“Right.” I look online into large abandoned structures in Avengard. Like, a school, or something. Honestly, that plan started as some lie to provide a fake explanation for why she’d end up exactly where we needed her. But I’m committed now. It’s just about doing it in a way that can’t be traced back to me. And… it’s incredibly easy to sell out Grace to survive myself if things come to that. It’s only the truth, after all; she’s The Fungus, and I’m just some guy she demanded help from. Any inexplicable behavior from Jessie can be lumped into the vague paranormal fungus abilities.
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((Roll))
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((17))
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Dana finds some kind of abandoned warehouse.
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Good. Cool.
6:19 PM
I inform Grace of this.
6:20 PM
I wonder what Ariel’s up to right now…? She’s probably still dealing with the aftermath of all that stuff. I won’t bug her. I do look up Ariel or Oliver or Randy May to see if there’s any breaking news of some kind.
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Nothing.
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Right. Okay. (edited)
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"What next?"
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“The false flag. Post some nonsense as The Fungus. The ruse only works if I contact her after that.”
6:44 PM
Changing my server name to The Fauxngus
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"There."
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“Okay.” From a burner account, I begin to draft the most important email ever written. ((can uh. we be done for the day lol))
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((Okay sure))
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((Saturday))
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((Hi))
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 3:57 PM
Ms. James -
I… am a former associate of The Fungus. To be honest, I despise you and your ilk. You’ve locked up a hero. But it’s an obligation you have, I suppose. At the very least, I’m much more infuriated by disgracing his name, a path actively chosen. The Fungus is still alive, as in the sense it’s name might imply, its not only one individual. A different person has taken up the mantle of the name, seizing the facilities that allow for the use of the abilities of The Fungus. She’s incompetent. Unfortunately, her support and position is enough that I cannot oust her. But I would rather kill The Fungus than allow it to live as it is now. I know who The Fungus is and I know where The Fungus is going to arrange an attack tonight. If you are interested in hearing what I have to say, and more importantly, the damning evidence I am willing to give you for the sake of your job…
[Location]. [A time reasonably later from now]. Come alone, or with reinforcements that have the decency to know how to hide. I will be alone myself. …If you attempt to capture me, the facility may suffer an unfortunate accident.
That is all. Send Brentwood my regards, pig.
- Mycelium
Yeah, sure, that’s probably good enough. I send that or something like it.
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She replies quickly.
Why would I trust a single word criminal scum like you has to say? You’re a blight on this earth and I have no intention to operate as your hitwoman, you cancer. Detective Jessica James, AGPD
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:03 PM
Tch.
4:05 PM
Well, clearly, the issue isn’t just not believing I am who I say I am.
4:05 PM
More fundamental philosophy.
4:05 PM
What a dork.
4:12 PM
I see. That is a shame.
It’s Mycelin’ time.
I send this.
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She doesn’t reply.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:16 PM
“I’m gonna g—” I say this in Grace’s vague direction, planning to make up an excuse to go into my home for Just A Bit. But I stop myself. “…Why are you Wight?”
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"Huh?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:18 PM
“I didn’t know you went by a half-pseudonym or whatever.”
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"Who told you?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:23 PM
“Uh, the news?”
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"…" She bit her lip. "Have you heard of Fredrick Wight, the host of freedom news network? He’s my father. We were… Estranged."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:31 PM
“Yeah, I’ve heard of him. That makes sense, sure. But…” I shake my head. “Whatever.”
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"How did it go with the detective?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:35 PM
“Less than ideal.” I lean back casually. “How important is this closure to you? Or, what I really mean… if we pulled this off successfully… where would you go from there?”
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"Why are you asking?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:42 PM
I’ve run through it in my head countless times. The two opposing forces of Jessica and Grace. Neither can know who I am. And I definitely have no way to manipulate the former without my ability. I could literally have this detective in any damn location Grace wanted, but what sort of fuckin’ excuse would she accept? Not to mention the time doing it. My line before was literally just ‘I’m gonna go take a shit’, I have no excuse for spending multiple hours isolated. If I trick Grace and Jessica into being in the same place, Grace will definitely be undisguised and either easily caught or kill the woman. Either way she’d probably find a reason to be mad at me. “To be frank, I’m not even confident you’re motivated to avoid getting caught yourself, let alone not selling me out.”
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"Why would I want to get caught? If that was my goal I could just turn myself in."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:47 PM
“You don’t find out anything that way.”
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"I don't find out anything if I get myself caught like this, either."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 4:52 PM
“I’m talking about after. Kidnapping’s a pretty traceable crime, and you haven’t been too concerned with the logistics of it. I suspect you simply want to get as much time with the detective as you need, and then don’t give a shit what happens to you after. And maybe you wouldn’t rat on me, I’m less confident about that, but it’s still a problem from my perspective.”
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"…I do care. For the first time in my life, I want to be selfish. I want to live."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 5:03 PM
“Live.” I nod. “Sure, that’s a philosophy I can respect. The only reasonable one in your situation, I think. But talk is cheap.” I mutter. “Maybe I just… need to come up with something better…”
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"Something better?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 5:12 PM
“I just, some… some plan…” I hold my head. “Fuck, I—I dunno! Do you even have a reason to believe this lady knows anything secret?”
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"She has to know something we don’t!"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 5:25 PM
“Why?! Fuck, I’m not even sure what that would be. A signed confession note? Fingerprints on the murder weapon? There’s a good chance the culprit is dead, so I don’t know if certainty exists anywhere.”
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"What’s that supposed to mean?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 5:33 PM
“Gus Amon was near the scene and he’s a fucking career criminal. I’m not confident enough to bet my life on it, but come on.”
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"We can’t know that for sure… And if he is innocent, then… Isn’t it worth making sure?" (edited)
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 5:47 PM
“Look, I think if they had decisive evidence, the case would be closed. Maybe the mob or whatever conspiracy is behind all this has its tendrils in the law, but Jessica James is a principled lunatic. She’s not gonna bow to outside pressure for the same reason nothing I try on her is gonna work.”
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"It’s worth trying! I gave you that magic thing, at least try this for me! If it doesn’t work you can go 'I told you so' all you want."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:09 PM
“What, like, ask the homeless community to abduct her???”
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"I mean… I guess? But that’s not what the magic does. That’s unrelated."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:17 PM
“I don’t understand what it does.”
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"Neither do I!"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:20 PM
I chuckle. “Well, I can try to figure it out.” I am going to use the bong, drugways.
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Dana's eyes feel weird, but nothing else happens. She doesn't even feel high at all.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:27 PM
“Ok, it just sucks. Maybe only he could get anything out of it…”
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"Try again."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:27 PM
I continue to do drugs under pressure from my peer.
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Dana's arm turns into a cannon. ((Like the fucking mega man one))
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:32 PM
I scream. Eh???
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"It can… Do that?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:34 PM
I waggle my arm around in a panic.
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It waggles around normally. Dana can’t fire it unless she chooses to.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:45 PM
Fine. Cool. Fine. I try to? Shoot the ground a bit in front of me?? ((im assuming i have relocated indoors at some point in order to weed))
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It shoots right through the floor.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:47 PM
Like, making a hole???
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Yes.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:49 PM
((I forget the geography of Dana home so like does someone live below me))
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((Off the top of my head I think Kris did))
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 6:52 PM
Fuck. “Fuck!” I mentally envision the concept of having a normal arm using all my energy.
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This doesn’t happen.
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 7:44 PM
Damn
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"This is good though, right? I mean, I doubt anyone else has a weapon like that."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 7:50 PM
“What, like a gun?”
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"I don’t think most guns shoot that hard."
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 8:18 PM
“Ok, like specifically one of those fucked up ones that—look, whatever. This doesn’t help our current situation at all…!”
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"I think it just goes away naturally with time?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 8:28 PM
“How could— did he never do this in front of you??”
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"A few times, but it wasn't exactly clear!"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 8:42 PM
“How could this be unclear…”
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"Well he never grew a cannon for an arm!" (edited)
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 8:44 PM
“Okay, so it only does this now?!”
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"How should I know?"
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Dana Craig 5/6/2023 8:54 PM
I bury my head in my one hand I have. ((I am out of fuccking ideas for today))
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((Saturday))
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"I thought you were supposed to be better at this than me."
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“At ‘this’?” I exhale loudly. “That’s on you for making assumptions, then.”
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"Well, you definitely have a 'villain' vibe. You can’t blame me."
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“Yeah.” I sigh, and look for the aforementioned gas mask.
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It’s where you left it. (edited)
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Good. Villain, huh? I guess that’s not too far off. Never thought of it that way. But I’ve never cared for society’s rules. I stare at the gas mask. What a stupid fucking idea this was. Honestly, am I that paranoid? That insecure? I wasn’t even going to do anything of note. The gas mask stares back. Its vacuous eyes betray nothing. Wearing something like this… would just make me stick out. Maybe that’s the point, though. I’ve always sort of thought jokingly, that like… I could be a good spy. Nobody ever seems to notice me. I head over to the bathroom, or wherever else there’s a mirror. It’s always about the masks we wear. Self-righteous people can never admit who they are. Something like this is honest, really. It makes no pretenses about being a façade. I put on the gas mask and pull up my hoodie. (As it happens, this is not the primary Dana Craig hoodie, what I am wearing today.) I check the mirror. How’s this? Cover my face and hair decently?
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It does it’s job.
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I yell back to Grace. “Do you know where she is? Like, where she works?”
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"A police precinct?"
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“That’s it?” I’m trying to meet you halfway, pal.
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"Well, I know the specific one, I guess."
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“That’s something. How do you even know about her? Is what cases different officers are assigned to public info?”
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"Grobber... Stole all of the police files a while ago."
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"Hah. Nice. Guess those were probably reconfiscated, though..."
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"Yeah. Plus, they didn't have anything useful in there. But the detective must know more."
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"..." What are you afraid of? This isn't even related to you. Not collective unconscious. "The Fungus" is doing this. If you do get caught, anyway, notoriety is guaranteed. And if you don't, you'll know far more, and another person will be in your debt. But I don't want to get caught. I won't be. I have something to return to, after all. I stow the bong away on my person and put my hands... my arms in my pockets. "Heh. Fine. Let's go." It's pretty obvious this is the next thing I'm supposed to do, anyway. No more weird awkward family time. The plot progresses.
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"Lead the way."
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I remove the gas mask until we're closer. If I know where this precinct is, I head there, taking a somewhat unusual route just in case. If I don't I call Grace a fucking idiot
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"We’re ambushing her in the precinct?"
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I pause. "That depends."
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"On what?"
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((what the fuck is a precinct actually. isnt it like. a district. or is it also the police station or whatever in taht district))
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((Idk I just kind of assume definitions))
6:15 PM
((It was a police station that I meant though yeah))
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"Your standards. Breaking into a law enforcement building is the most idiotic thing we could possibly do. But, I mean, that's probably where she is right now, and you insist we do this as soon as possible. We could try causing a scene to lure her out, but that could just result in any police officer taking the bait, if anyone shows up at all. My plan to lure her using The Fungus failed, and there's nothing I could conceive of to lure her out related to Michelle's case."
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"Alright, I’ll follow your lead.” She leads Dana to the police station.
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I squat some place near the building. "I'm going to keep an eye on the entrance. Could you circle around -- far enough to not be suspicious, of course -- and check if you can see her externally through a window or something?" I need some time alone for this to work.
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"Alright." She does this.
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I sigh. After all this wavering, I'm still a one trick pony. I write Jessica James on whatever scrap of paper from the book I've kept on me. Just... at the very least, to get an idea of where she is.
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Jessica James is currently in Carolyn Blythe’s office. There's no one else around.
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You're shitting me.
6:35 PM
Okay. Great. Is there a mirror I can look at immediately
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Not in the room.
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Fuck. Ugh. I could just head to Grace as Jessica, but... what if someone finds my body?
6:40 PM
It's been too long already for Jessica to not realize something's up. Fine. I leave Carolyn's office.
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Kingsley is outside. "Did you find anything?"
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Oh, great. "Not particularly."
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"You seemed pretty confident there’d be something."
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"So?" I glare at him.
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"I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to question you, detective James!"
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"Yeah." Right. "If you're uncertain, you can take a look yourself. It's impossible to prove the negative that there's no relevant information I missed."
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"Do you… Want me to?"
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"Whatever." I check my pockets.
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Jessica James has a gun, a badge, a wallet, and a phone.
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Great.
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((Saturday))
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My last moment in Elon Musk's body with 1.2 seconds to go
Likes
154265
Retweets
21253
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((hi))
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Hey it’s me dana Craig
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I look at Jessica James’s phone because I love looking at phones
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It requires a pin to unlock.
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I put it back away. Basically just checking the time. “I’m confident about her, at any rate.” I attempt to fish context info from him.
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"Well... I certainly wouldn't doubt you." He nods.
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“Great.” Useless as ever.
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"So what now?"
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“We ought to see if anyone else who works or frequents here knows anything…” I mutter.
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"Are you alright?"
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“What do you mean by that?”
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"Well… You’ve had a lot less energy lately. I didn’t think I’d ever see someone as great as you in a shape like that."
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“No one is able to be in overdrive perpetually.”
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"Alright. If you say so."
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“……Is anyone aside from us in the building right now?”
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"You were just in there... Wouldn't you know the answer better than me?"
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((ok am i like. Outside the entire building??? i thought i just left a room))
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((I interpreted it as outside the building whoops))
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“Very strange, but I have to go find the truth.” I enter the building again.
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There’s no one inside.
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Yeah.
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After a minute or so, I head back out. “I don’t believe there’s any other relevant location, unless I’ve forgotten something.”
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"I don’t think so either." He nods.
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“Back to the station, I suppose…”
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He sits down in the passenger’s seat of the police car.
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Driving is probably not a good idea as I am now. I sit down on the passenger side seat, and mutter the word “Fungus.” as I check the mirrors.
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"Hm?" Dana wakes back up in her body, right where she left it.
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I sit up.
7:53 PM
Anyone around?
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No one.
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Okay. Anyway. Wonder what she’ll do now…
7:57 PM
((I have been off this entire time because of the genius sleep schedule I’ve been creating these past few days i think this is the stopping point))
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((You’re killing me))
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((IS ANYONE WAITING ON ME))
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((Yes.))
8:03 PM
((I'm not forcing you to continue today but it's been like a full month of nothing sessions at this point))
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((BLUH BLUH i will continue responding today whenever i am capable of thinking of things to send)) I check the time, just to see how long I was her.
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Only a few minutes.
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I wait some time longer for Grace to return, keeping watch on the entrance like I actually said I would.
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Grace returns. "I didn't see her, sorry."
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“That’s fine.” Using my advanced geographic knowledge, I wander a bit further away from the precinct. To somewhere someone traveling from the office of Carolyn Blythe to that location would likely cross. I do not bother explaining what I’m doing.
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She follows you. After a bit, you see Officer Kingsley and Detective James drive down that street.
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Is one of my arms still a gfucking gun
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The gun went away while Dana was out of her body.
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Damn.
8:54 PM
Is there other traffic on this street?
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There are other cars.
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I whisper to Grace. "It would be idiotic to try something now and idiotic to try something at the station. If we wait it out... she has to be alone eventually."
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"Fine... I'll try something." Grace jumps in front of their car.
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Great. Glad you took me along for this. I make sure I’m masked and then, assuming Grace has not died from being run over by a car, trail after her.
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The car was not moving particularly fast, she's fine. Detective James exits the car while Kingsley waits inside. "My name is Jessica James, I'm a detective for the AGPD. My badge number is..." She continues stating information about herself to Grace, who is still on the ground.
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((did the car actually make contact with her or is she just on the ground because she literally jumped in front of it))
9:25 PM
((this does not actually matter))
9:26 PM
"Excuse me." I call out to James with my incredibly non-suspicious appearance, taking care to meaningfully enunciate my voice differently even aside from the filtering introduced by a mask.
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She turns to Dana. "Are you with this person?"
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"Dependent on definition. We are certainly in the same vicinity right now." I look down at Grace. "I'm simply wondering why you're bothering to explain your identity."
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"I'm providing my contact information."
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"How courteous."
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"It's the law."
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"And you have elected to follow it. A choice regardless."
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"It shouldn't be a choice." James. While she's talking, Grace has started crawling towards Kingsley's door.
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Oh, I get it. I don't get it. "You would be out of a job if it weren't."
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"I don't put my job above the safety of people. I'd starve out on the street if it meant the people were safer."
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"Do you believe such nobility is capable of surviving?"
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"It's not about survival. It's about doing what I can." James. Grace gets up and pulls out a gun, which she aims at Kingsley's head. "Hands in the air." He obliges.
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"It is always about survival." did i bring my own cfcking gun i forget
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((Do you have one?))
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((Yes. I fucking forget why. oh i stole kingsleys lmao thats how i originally got it))
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((You can have brought it idc))
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I withdraw it. "None of us desire for anything unfortunate to happen here. My sole interest is uncovering the truth."
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Detective James immediately reaches for her gun.
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"Do you wish to shoot me? You are free to do so. I wonder who you think you are protecting..."
10:01 PM
I'm calm. This is fine. I'm okay right now
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She completely ignores Dana and aims for Grace, leaving her back to Dana.
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Ugh. I can't just run. I need to not allow Grace any reason to sell me out. I also can't shoot her. Jeremy was right; they're much more persistent in trying to track down people with more serious offenses. "This is nothing but a formality to have an honest exchange of words and actions. It is a test of what all involved value, and of the facts." I keep just saying shit.
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James is completely ignoring you. "Put the weapon down. Do not threaten an officer of the law." "Just hit her!" Grace.
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"To what end? So I might receive my own gunshot wound? Don't be an imbecile. We already have everything we" In the middle of talking (as a genius mindgame), I accept Grace's advice, hitting James in the head with the classic butt stroke. (edited)
10:17 PM
I ignore that actually, it is referred to as a pistol-whip when used with a shorter more compact gun. This is because that's not as funny, because it doesn't have the word "butt" in it.
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((Roll))
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((15))
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Detective James falls over, unconscious. "Get out of the car." Grace pulls Kingsley out, while keeping the gun aimed at him.
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I take James's fucking gun. I am a kleptomaniac. I lift up her body, moving to drag it to somewhere less public with the coverage provided by a hostage situation. "...Where." I ask this single word.
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"Put her in the car." Grace.
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"Ok." I was going to whine about that, but yeah, it does make sense to get Kingsley out of the car first. I put her in the car and enter myself.
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"I’m… not going to let you take her." Kingsley. "Seriously!? This is already complicated enough." Grace.
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"I do not think he has the capacity to stop us."
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"Everyone's been pushing me to try… So this is my moment. I’ll save-" He reaches for his gun, before being pistol whipped and knocked out by Grace.
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CHARACTER ARC DENIED
10:36 PM
"Okay. Let's go."
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She also shoves him in the car and waits for Dana to drive.
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Fine. "...Do we really need him?" I start to speed off while thinking of a place to take them.
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"Well… I didn’t think dumping him on the street would make sense. He could get like… Run over. Or something." That empty building Dana researched is nearby.
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There's a good chance she set up an ambush there... But fine. What could go wrong? I'm already ten levels of fucked right now. I'm starting to lose it. I drive there and haphazardly park wherever near it.
10:44 PM
Also, I take Kingsley's new gun.
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Grace handcuffs the 2 unconscious cops using their own handcuffs.
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Good, good. We're in some abandoned location. Nothing to lead to us except... a highly visible public kidnapping, a police car parked outside, and an anonymous warning relating to this location beforehand. Just wait for them to awaken now, I suppose.
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"I’ll handle the interrogation part. You can just… Stand back menacingly with your gun."
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"Fine." I hold at least one gun.
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Grace lightly kicks the detective. This does nothing. "Do you have any cold water or something?"
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“It isn’t something I tend to carry around, no.”
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"Fair enough." She kicks the detective again, causing her to wake up. ((End session because I’m tired))
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((Fair enough.))
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((Saturday))
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I stand menacingly.
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Detective James sits up. "...Where am I?" She notices the handcuffs. "What?"
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I stand menacingly. Grace can talk first, at least.
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"Looks like… You’re under arrest, detective." Grace tries to sound cool. "You’re going to regret this. I’m the crown jewel of this police force." James tries to sound cool.
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“The situation is surely regrettable for at least one of us.” I don’t know if this is me trying to sound cool or what.
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"You’re going to tell us what we want or you’re going to die." Grace. "Go ahead. I’m more than ready to die for the cause of the police." James. "Fine. What about him?" Grace points her gun at Kingsley. Jessica James stares at him for a moment, before answering. "He knew the risks when he signed on."
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I forgot Kingsley was here, honestly.
2:14 PM
“What is the cause of the police, then? To cover for criminals?”
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"To enact fair and equal justice. As decided by the people for the people. Not by lowlife scum like you." James.
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“It seems ‘the people’ is quite an exclusive club.”
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"An exclusive club? All you need to do is obey the laws as written. To not take matters into your own hands. Why do people who can’t be bothered to fit into a society deserve to be heard over those who do?" James. "Not everyone gets that choice. For some of us… It’s breaking the law or dying… In a sense." Grace almost whispers that last part. "I’ve already made it clear what choice to make with my own decision." James.
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“Do you think that makes you noble? It does not. It makes you a blithe idiot. The law serves humanity. Not the inverse. It can be disposed of by an individual’s will when it becomes a negative.”
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"The law is humanity. It’s humanity in its purest form, sculpted by centuries of people coming together to understand right from wrong." James.
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“Is the process finished, then?”
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"That’s not for me to decide. Not for either of you, either."
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“Of course. Let me just call my buddy, Belto Shelk.”
2:43 PM
I kick her.
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"The president of the United States is not your 'buddy'." James. "Look, we’re on your side here. We’re also trying to catch a criminal." Grace. "I’m not the kind of person who watches dogfighting." James.
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“I wonder what it’s called when pigs get involved, then.” I feign like I’m about to hit her again, but don’t. Let’s just get this over with. Hundred bucks says she doesn’t even fucking know anything. “Who killed Michelle [Her last name, which I learned and now know]? This is the primary case of relevance. You may feign ignorance or hold onto your pathetic wretched principles. Perhaps your faith in your tolerance for interrogation methods is indeed well placed.” There. Was that so fucking hard, Grace?
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The detective's cold expression suddenly changes into a smirk. "That girl? You're looking for her murderer?"
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“In a manner of speaking.”
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"I suppose you're in luck. I can tell you that much." James. "...What?" Grace.
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“Go ahead. If this is some manner of trick, I’d still be curious to hear that.”
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"The victim visited a therapist a while before she died. Carolyn Blythe." James. "That has nothing to do with it." Grace replies overly aggressively.
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“Okay, yeah. Thought it was her, honestly.” A boring answer.
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"It's not her! Don't be ridiculous! She... She cares about-" Grace cuts herself off. "Of course. I don't suspect her. I can't." This claim sounds almost mechanical. "See?" Grace.
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“I don’t see, actually, no.”
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"There was a red car that was sighted driving in front of the house where she died." James gives a more specific description of the car's details. "That's all the info I know." It doesn't take much to know she's lying. "Wait... I've seen that car." Grace. "She was riding it, but the driver was... That old man."
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“Was he an old man…? It’s ‘Gus’, right?”
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"Yeah. Him." Grace nods. "Gus Amon. A failure of a detective. Do you know what happened to him?" James.
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“He died. Awfully convenient. Or inconvenient.”
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"Correct. Do you know in who's apartment with who's gun?" James.
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“I would guess Carolyn for both, yet I have no actual knowledge. Johnner, too, is likely connected to this.”
4:10 PM
“You also might be implying he killed himself. Heard that one before.”
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"It was Carolyn." James nods. Grace starts pacing back and forth in distress. "That's not all the death I could connect to her, though. When you start looking for it... Every single patient Carolyn Blythe has ever treated was murdered a few days to a weeks after they finished their treatment." James.
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“Perhaps it’s some kind of mysterious reaper? Mustn’t be too hasty, of course.” I speak very obviously sarcastically.
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"There. Are you satisfied?" James. Kingsley starts to wake up.
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“Not in the sense that I think any of this was worth the effort. Well, I guess the idea of this being a pattern is useful… regardless. I’m satisfied in the sense that I’m willing to end the conversation here.” Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me Grace don’t fuck things up for me
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Kingsley looks up at Dana. "…Dana?" James suddenly turns to Kingsley. "Who?" "Uh- Nothing. I was just thinking about a girl I was dreaming about." He quickly tries to cover this up. "I thought you were gay." James. "Based on… What exactly?" Kingsley.
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I stare at this conversation. Of course. Of course I’m recognized. I’ll probably have to off Jessica later if this is going to become a problem… Tch, whatever. Honestly, what was I thinking with this? “I would not profile him as such based on any perceivable surface level characteristics.” The masked assailant provides her two cents. Now… what? Do I just run, or do I knock them out and drop them off somewhere? Does Grace have a—no, of course she doesn’t. Ugh. Hmmm…
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Kingsley tries to mouth a message to you. ((Roll))
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((14))
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The specific sentence is unclear but you recognize the name Detective Scott and that the contents of the sentence are a question. (edited)
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“Well, I don’t really know. Probably not.” I elaborate (on the subject of Kingsley being gay, of course.) “Anyway.” I attempt to knock Jessica out again.
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((Roll))
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((8 🙃 ))
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She’s still conscious. "Is that the best you scum can do." Grace grabs Dana's shoulder suddenly. There’s clearly something wrong with her. "I solved the mystery. Follow me." She leaves in a hurry.
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“I hate everything.” I run after her. Fine. The fleeing option. Sure.
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This woman is approaching the building Dana runs out of. Grace ignores her.
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I don’t. I very visibly stare, but keep running. Probably the inevitable reinforcements. Uh, maybe? No, they wouldn’t just send one fucking guy. Uh…
4:38 PM
Regardless, I need to stay close to Grace. My only escape plan should things go bad is claiming I was coerced by her somehow.
4:38 PM
I’m running.
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Grace gets in the police car.
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I forgot about that. Sure, let’s take this highly visible vehicle we hijacked in broad daylight. Hey, remember when you hated me for just… talking to your therapist, or something? I enter the car. “What are you doing.”
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She starts driving without answering.
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“Look, sometimes the answer sucks. At least you know.”
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"What are you talking about? I told you, I solved it."
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“Okay, cool…?” Whatever she is talking about cannot be good.
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She stops in front of Carolyn's office and gets out of the car.
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This is an obviously bad idea. Can I run quickly enough on foot…? Or should I stick with my original plan? I sigh. Does any of it matter? This isn’t supposed to be my story. I’m… I have a girlfriend now! I matter to people! I can’t just throw everything out for no reason! I exit the car.
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Grace runs in.
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I need to… save mys… … She’s crazy. She’ll probably think I’m a traitor if I leave now. I… I enter the building.
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Grace has taken off her mask and is holding her gun. Carolyn is inside, talking to these 2 people which you don't recognize.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-and-dana
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Forgoing subtlety, then? I remove my Gas Mask. It’s outlived its purpose.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:05 PM
"..." Carolyn claps her hands together and smiles "What a surprising visit. I had thought you were trying to live your life on your own? I do hope nothing terrible has happened over the past day that made you feel the need to return to therapy?"
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“Who are these people.” I don’t care about that, I only care about gathering information.
5:05 PM
Gesturing towards the men Dana Craig, me, doesn’t know.
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"That's of no concern to you right now." The man in the white suit. "My name is Matrick. Matrick Patthews. Is... Am I in danger?" The other guy.
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“Theoretically. I don’t really know.” I shake my head. Well, Grace? What’s so important, huh? What do you need to be here for?
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"I know you did it, Carolyn." Grace. The man in the white suit discreetly reaches into his pocket. "You killed Gus Amon. Because he killed Michelle, didn't he? You were trying to help me." Grace.
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“Oh my fucking god. What?”
5:11 PM
“Okay, first of all, I thought you hated her. Second of all, no? What???”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:12 PM
"That..." Carolyn sighs "You wish to accuse me of murder here? I do believe I owe you an explanation, and I trust that you, of all people, will not turn me into the police, were your guess true. But we are in the company of others who I would not trust with that same generosity. Perhaps we could speak privately?"
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"I trust Dana." Grace. "I don't... I don't trust myself here... Could I leave?" Matrick.
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“If the implication is asking me to leave, that’s fine. There’s probably no shortage of better places to be right now.” I shrug. Wait no Grace don’t make me stay here no you fucking don’t you don’t trust me shut up what
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:15 PM
"That depends, Matrick. You've assisted in turning me into the police once before, how can I trust you won't be that rash and call them as soon as you leave?" She turns to look him in the eyes "Will you make the same mistake again?"
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“Okay, so like. None of the people here are the police then. Right?”
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"No- No... I wouldn't... Because, well... You're free aren't you? Clearly they've realized you're innocent." Matrick. "Yes, exactly. It's famously impossible for the police to be wrong." The man in the white suit.
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“Oh, I like this guy.” I chuckle. White suit mans the best one, I decided. Aside from me. Can’t really place myself that way.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:20 PM
Carolyn smiles "Very well, you may leave, Matrick. Do have an excellent day, won't you?"
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"W-Will do!" He runs out.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:23 PM
"Alright, let us continue, then. You trust Dana, and I trust my associate here, so these should be acceptable conditions for our discussion." She turns to Dana "Ms. Craig, you do seem to have an issue with Grace's reasoning. Can I ask what problem you're having currently?"
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“I think you’re a therapist who kills people because you’re insane, mostly.”
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"That makes no sense, Dana." Grace. "I find it a reasonable assumption." The man in the white suit.
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“It’s not really supposed to make sense. Not to me, at least. But it answers everything. Why would my straight laced friend too much of a goody-two-shoes to even breach politeness in the worst job ever get involved with the mob? She didn’t. She just went to a therapist. Why would a therapist be connected to all of this? She did it. I mean, fuck, didn’t her dad run a suicide cult? I feel like if you’re gonna have a trade like this it needs to be regulated. Who watches the watchmen, y’know? Anyway, that’s my two cents. ‘What are you gonna do about it, then’ would be a different question, eheh.” Frankly, this all barely feels real, somehow.
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Grace shrugs over-exaggeratedly. "That’s… It’s complicated, okay?"
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“I find it quite simple, actually. But sure, whatever. I don’t actually know this woman, and you do, in some respect.”
5:34 PM
(( pov: dana craig has showed up, for some reason, and is like, riffing on your route??? https://youtu.be/_V2sBURgUBI ))
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:35 PM
"I apologize for your poor impression of me, Ms. Craig. My religious upbringing certainly gave me some difficult to shake ideas, but I assure you, it has no impact on my performance in this position. Regardless, I do not know if Michelle truly got involved with the mob. I do not know if Gus Amon killed her..." Carolyn shakes her head "But I do know he confessed the crime to me nonetheless... He confessed it before taking his own life. I attempted to talk him out of it, it was all I could do when he was armed and I was not, but I do believe I was partly responsible. I made him realize the error of his ways, and that guilt overwhelmed him."
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“Wow, what a story. Damn shame. Anyway, what about the others? Feels like being a client of yours is the most unlucky job in America. We’re all fellow inmates here, right? Why not drop the pretense?” How do you upset someone already so thoroughly twisted in such a manner, I wonder? “Wish the apple fell a little closer to the tree for me, frankly. Coulda done with my dad’s work ethic! I’m sure you’ve done yours prouder than I ever could, miss.” I dunno. I can just say fucking whatever here. Who cares?
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"What are you talking about, Dana?" Grace. "It must be a rather unlucky job, yes. Usually you get paid for a job, but here you have to pay to talk to her." The man in the white suit.
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“Exactly! Really. What’s the deal with therapists, honestly. Weird thing we all just kind of accept as necessary for unavoidable reasons.” I turn to Grace. “I don’t know, was I unclear at any point?”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 5:44 PM
Carolyn's smile returns upon hearing Dana's words "My father is a subject of discussion for another time, Ms. Craig. But do know I harbor no ill will against him. He was the victim of the tragic misunderstanding by the justice system. I do appreciate your comforting words regarding our relationship, nonetheless."
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"Being her client isn’t that bad… She’s just… really willing to help people." Grace. The man in the white suit mutters something in exasperation.
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“Yeah, help people with what? It’s like that whole argument where the civil war was about states rights. Grace, do you think you’re treating this situation in a detached and rational manner, at least past the personal desire to do right by someone you’ve lost? It doesn’t really seem that way where I’m standing.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:01 PM
"What do I help people with? Well, that depends on the client does it not? That's why we need therapists, a specialized helping hand. Grace needed to get back on her feet, to find a mentality that would let her live life to the fullest. Though, I would never take responsibility for her reaching that, it's a journey she had to endeavor herself. I merely gave her... a participating audience. One that won't stop watching until the curtains drop."
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“And every show has to end some day, huh?”
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"Now's not exactly the time to get poetic. She’s going to take everything you say as maliciously as possible. And I would assume you don’t want this to end… Badly." The man in the white suit. "Dana, stop it. I know you want to help me, but Carolyn isn’t a bad person." Grace.
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“Honestly, that’s the weirdest part of all this. What do you mean you think I want to help you? Don’t you fucking hate me, still? Grobber said you straight up warned him about me being bad news. It’s like everything about the entirety of my first meeting with Carolyn just never happened.” I turn to white suit guy. “To be clear, is this you threatening me? I guess I’ll probably shut up if it is.”
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He smirks. "I’m simply a passionate fan of Carolyn's. Nothing for you to concern yourself with." "It’s… I was in a bad place, okay? I don’t… Can we not discuss this right now?" Grace.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:10 PM
Carolyn nods "Saying things you come to regret, pushing away those that mean most to you... it's not something that should be held against anyone. Grace has been given time, and she's recovered just fine. We should be proud of her progress."
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“I see. I see. I get it now. What happened. You’re good at this, Blythe. I wish I could do that…” I get unironically like, wistful? What the fuck? About the manipulation abilities of some abuser? Wow, okay. I mean, I wouldn’t do it in service of fucking killing people. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying to get people to like you, or stop hating you. Every interaction between people is manipulative, in that sense. This is a silly thing to reflect on.
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"What are you talking about, Dana?" Grace.
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“I just don’t think this kinda talk would sound out of place from fuckin’ Stella Kowalski.” I had to read Streetcar Named Desire in highschool. I couldn’t think of any other abused spouses in fiction, or reality, for that matter.
6:16 PM
((Worst Dana message.))
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"I don’t remember who that is." Grace. "It doesn’t matter, right?" The man in the white suit.
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“I don’t know. Matter? What doesn’t… I mean, I’ve got my hands full, I’m not gonna try to fix Grace’s life or whatever. Obviously she isn’t interested in my personal views on it. I’m just a little wary of, y’know…”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:23 PM
Carolyn clears her throat "Grace, if you wouldn't mind, I actually had a bit of a curiosity. That mask, and your gun... What exactly were you doing before coming here? If it is appropriate for me to inquire regarding the matter."
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The man in the white suit looks at Carolyn silently. "That’s… Not important. I was just worried you’d try to kill me for knowing you killed Gus Amon. Not that… Obviously you wouldn’t." Grace. "Wow. Genius." The man in the white suit.
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“It was really important we waste our time. Hey, wouldn’t it be funny if every fucking one of us got cornered in this building and arrested? What a great ending that would be.” I’m not mad. I’m relaxed about this, and the current situation.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:29 PM
"I see. I do not blame you for taking this precaution. In fact, I see it as quite the good sign that you are taking steps to protect your own life. It is the most valuable possession you have, after all. I was actually a bit concerned that these items indicated you were turning to a life of crime. I am glad to hear this was unfounded, we wouldn't want you endangering yourself."
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"I’m… sorry for disappointing you." Grace. "This is just disturbing." The man in the white suit facepalms. "You were supposed to hate her more than that."
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“Fuck, why am I here?! Did I even actually help you with anything??? And at the end of it you can’t even accept the answer we so clearly arrive at! You know I have more to my life than just being a convenience for you so you can inconvenience me, right?! Hell, I just earlier today left my girlfriend in a pretty tight spot and I still don’t know if she’s okay! Yeah, I have one now! Did you know that??? Of course not!!!!! You don’t know—Nobody knows anything about Dana Craig!” Okay, this is getting kind of dumb, I should probably calm down.
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"You have a girlfriend? I thought you were straight." Grace.
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“Well, so did I! Sort of? I guess no one really knows anything about me, universally!”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:35 PM
"Ms. Craig... I think perhaps you should take a moment to collect yourself. You clearly feel neglected by your current support systems. If you wish for someone to hear you out and learn about you, I do have quite the open schedule right now."
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“Oh, what a great fucking suggestion. You wanna know something funny? See, it’s not just arbitrarily. Not even just the criteria of people who are your patients. They get offed when they’re discharged, right? When you and them are ‘finished’. I’d still be fucking immortal even if I drank your kool-aid, because you’d never think I meet whatever dumbass standards you have, woman.” I pause. “It was actually an offbrand drink though. Flavor-aid. Wasn’t Kool-aid.”
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"I was discharged, Dana. I’m still alive. That doesn’t make any sense." Grace.
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“How about that. How long ago, then?”
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"Yesterday. Kind of." Grace.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:45 PM
"I will choose to ignore your comments regarding my business practices, and focus on what I believe to be the true meaning your outburst. You are saying you are unfixable? That you would never reach a point where therapy is no longer needed? I do agree with you, Ms. Craig. Everyone is unfixable in their own way. It's about learning to cope with problems that may never fade, about doing what you can to live a happy life in spite of them."
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"…Yeah." Grace.
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“Well, that’s defeatist. That a first session kinda line, or do you get to know them first before you call them unfixable?”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 6:53 PM
"It all depends on the client, Ms. Craig. You already understand your situation, so I see no point hiding the truth from you."
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“Yeah, I do kinda know everything.”
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"Is everything resolved then? You 2 have no reason to be here anymore." The man in the white suit. "No… She still hasn’t admitted she killed Gus." Grace.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:05 PM
"What... led you to the conclusion that this happened, Grace? It was certainly not an accusation I expected you to levy against me."
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I laugh. “Yeah, that’s the thing to worry about. Actually…” My expression shifts. “Gus wasn’t one of your clients, was he? You just knew him for other reasons.” (edited)
7:06 PM
((Dana’s express train shifts into overdrive.))
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"Because it’s true." Grace.
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Carolyn Blythe
"What... led you to the conclusion that this happened, Grace? It was certainly not an accusation I expected you to levy against me."
((To this to be clear))
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:12 PM
"Indeed, Dana. Mr. Amon had a grudge against me. It is a bit of a long story, but he was fired from the police force upon being caught attempting to pervert justice on the case regarding my father's religious group. He attempted to ruin my life as his had been. I held no ill will against him for this, but... when I found out what he had done to Michelle..." Carolyn sighs and shakes her head "I had to remove him from the picture... I could not let him do the same to Grace. Who knows how many of my clients he would go after. I admit it, I killed Gus Amon."
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“Clever, yeah. Definitely the right resolution to this dilemma for you. But honestly, it makes things worse for me, hah.”
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"You what?" The man in the white suit. "…I knew it." Grace smiles softly.
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Dana keeps fucking talking even if no one cares. “A lot of them have sort of like, patterns they rigidly stick to no matter what. Y’know, always exclusively a specific profile victim even if it makes getting away with it harder. So that would be good for me. But I’m in trouble if you really are willing to kill anyone when it benefits you.”
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"It was a special case, Dana." Grace.
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“Sure thing. Why not just trust getting the culprit to the pol-gehahaha, fucking, okay. I can’t say that one with a straight face. Grace, are you done here?” (edited)
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"…Yeah."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:19 PM
"It's been a pleasure seeing both of you again. Grace, I still wish you nothing but the best of luck in living your life to its fullest. And Dana, I hope things work out between you and your partner."
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"Goodbye forever, Carolyn. For real this time." Grace left.
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I don’t follow her. I close the door to the room we’re in. “Hope it was for real, at least.”
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"If this is a threat, I wouldn’t recommend it." The man in the white suit.
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“No, no, it isn’t. I have no real interest in killing myself to stop Carolyn or stop you from being a fan of hers, or whatever. This is negotiation. Welcome to the war room.” I smugly put my hands in my pockets. “We’re all adults here, right? No reason we can’t act in mutual interest.”
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He puts his hand in his, as if threateningly reaching for a weapon.
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“What, you want to fucking kill me? Leave a body in Carolyn Blythe’s office? Go ahead, moron.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:28 PM
"My associate here has some behavioral issues, do not mind him, he's harmless." She waves her empty hands in front of herself "I, as well, am not a threat to you. If you wish for a discussion, you have certainly come to the right person, Ms. Craig. What do you wish to negotiate?"
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“Just information, really. I’m a straightforward woman. My sole interest is uncovering the truth. Or something. I’ll start, as a show of good faith. Grace is lying. She has a mask and a gun because she kidnapped a police officer and drove here from that site using a stolen police vehicle.” I wave a hand in front of my face. “Hope you don’t tell her I said that! Client confidentiality, or something.”
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The man in the white suit nods.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:33 PM
"Yes, I had assumed something along those lines. Do you believe she will get caught for this crime? That series of events does not sound exactly easy to perform in a way that does not leave a trail."
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“I think she contacted me thinking, for some reason, that I would know how to commit crimes well, and then even after that did it in the most unsubtle blunt way imaginable. By the way, the officer… do you know her? Jessica James?”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:36 PM
"I see no point in answering dishonestly. We've met once before, when she arrested me for the murder of Gus Amon. Of course, she had a change of heart upon new details coming to light."
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“I would love to know those details. Why can she not suspect you? What did you do to her, Carolyn?” I grin. It is an ugly, despicable face. “The way you phrased that makes me think nothing has really changed with Grace gone. Hm…”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:42 PM
"Do you believe the police inform witnesses of their investigation progress? She visited the location of the crime once again, and then released me. She was a very straightforward woman, the kind that wears her heart on her sleeve. I'm sure if she won't suspect me, then it simply does not fit with the facts she's found."
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“Upstanding citizen. Trusts in our city’s institutions. Swell.” I sigh. “You watch a lot of movies, Carolyn? I have. Media in general. It’s a decent way to pass the time in between the grueling 9-to-5.” (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:46 PM
"I would not describe it as one of my hobbies, but I've certainly dabbled. It helps clients to have common discussion grounds. Michelle was like that, a big fan of Con Air. I purchased it myself upon hearing her enthusiasm for it."
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“Haha… wow, that’s wild. In general I feel like I hardly care, but hearing you say that…” I grit my teeth, enraged, then force my expression back to normal. Con Air…? …man, that movie sucked. I guess it suits her. No offense meant, really. “So I’ve been thinking about it myself. Y’know, creating, and not just consuming. Got this new plot worked out, just a low budget amateur production, and I want to hear your thoughts. I figure a shrink would know about the strange ways different kinds of people can rationalize and perceive the world, so I thought it might be worthwhile.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 7:55 PM
"That's certainly a commendable aspiration. Wishing to capture an accurate picture of humanity in your film. If it is a pursuit that you believe will bring you fulfillment, I would be happy to discuss the details of your script."
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“Great. Yeah, fulfilling. So — and again, this is all a made up tale, nothing that means anything legally — the film has a villain protagonist of sorts. Therapist Murderpeople. …I haven’t actually worked out any names yet, I’m gonna sit down and come up with some cool ones with meaningful etymology and stuff. Just placeholders at the moment.” I remove my hands from my pocket and energetically gesture while describing my ingenious film. “So, the thing about her is that she’s a therapist and she kills people. That’s the parts of the premise set in stone, and I’m afraid that can’t budge for the story I’m telling. Lot of stuff is open-ended beyond that, but she’s a therapist and she kills a lot of her clients.” I pace back and forth. “So someone finds this out. Is able to understand, even if they aren’t a direct witness, what Therapist is doing. The ‘Death Conceiver’. Call it DC for short. The thing about DC is that she’s not even that smart. She sort of stumbles Forrest Gump style into this information, and then, the key to this relationship — she can’t tell anyone without tightening the noose around her own neck. Like the scorpion and the frog. Now, I’m no good at mysteries.” I smile and shake my head with real, believably humility. “I’m the type of guy who just uses a guide playing Ace Attorney. So the logistical details I’m a little uncertain on. There’s two main questions I need to sort out for this plot to function.” I hold up one finger. “First of all, how does this even work? If Therapist Murderpeople is so unsubtle that some complete nobody like DC can put together the idea she’s doing this, how is she not caught? I guess it could maybe be something as simple as bribery, but that feels off somehow.”
8:10 PM
I hold up a second finger. “The other bit is the motive, sorta the heart. Might be what you can tell me more about as someone who knows psychology. Why? Why would someone do that? One aspect, like… I think an important facet of the story is that DC, for all the mayhem and danger she gets into, isn’t going to be killed by Murderpeople. That’s how their dynamic operates. So what are her standards and reasons for selecting victims that won’t include DC?” I look expectantly. Honestly, I doubt this’ll fucking work, even when it’s obvious it should. But it’s worth a try.
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"Sounds like a nice bit of fiction."
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“Thanks, man.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 8:20 PM
Carolyn listens attentively through Dana's rant, and upon hearing the end of it, she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, then looks Dana straight in the eyes "Do you plan for this film to have a happy ending, Dana?"
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"A happy ending? There’s no ending to a story with a villain protagonist that could ever be 'happy'. This therapist would have to somehow be a correct and noble hero… Which, naturally, a deranged murderer could never be."
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“Well, that depends on a lot of things. I mean, it’s never straightforward for stories where the protagonist isn’t a clear-cut good guy. Like, in Death Note—“ No, this woman is like thirty. She wouldn’t watch anime. “Yeah, what he said, kinda. Though I’m not sure I’d go that far.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 8:29 PM
"I see." She takes a seat on a couch that is also in the lobby, while maintaining eye contact "I can't say I'm a fan of stories with downer endings. After all, the last scene of a movie will be what you remember most, no? Why would you want the emotion you bring about in your audience to be so melancholic? Heavens knows there's already enough of that in our lives. If something is going to live on, it should be in its happiest state, don't you think? Cameron Poe reunites with his loving wife and child. That's where his story ends. Con Air ends as a happy film. It's beautiful, it truly is."
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"If only life worked so well, no?"
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“Live on? I mean, the movie ends. Anything beyond that is out of its scope. Ain’t canon. Unless you mean like, how it lives on in the minds of those who are left in…” I stop myself. My eyes widen. Left… the… happiest… She can’t be that ((Dana canonically thinks the r slur.)) right? It’s just sadism, right? Come on. “Th…That doesn’t really make sense to me. Have you seen Inception?”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 8:45 PM
Carolyn sighs "I do not expect you to understand Ms. Craig. My media taste is... one could say unique, but I prefer to think of it as the most efficient line of thought. Regardless, I will listen to your refutation. It has been some time, but yes, I've gone through a viewing of the film Inception once before."
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“Everyone talks about the ending, and yeah, I get it, bravo Nolan, he came up with an ambiguous conclusion, good for him. But who cares? I mean, the moment means anything only because of a lot of setup, but aside from that, I mean — I never saw DiCaprio’s kids as important beyond a plot device. Like, it’s something easy to explain, because of course you’re supposed to love your family. But it meant nothing to me. What really— I mean, the part of the two hour fifteen minute or whatever clusterfuck I care about — is where Time plays.” I laugh softly to myself. “Oh, man, I get it now. This is like… the Hannibal Lecter thing. Once you’re asking the questions, you can take control of the situation. That’s pretty fucking cool, I have to admit. Hm…” I do love listening to myself talk, but…
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"Are you going to ramble on forever?"
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“Well, she kind of answered one of my questions. I guess the other is less important. I’ll figure it out soon enough if I keep digging. This isn’t really about that anymore. This is…” Fuck it. “He gets to be with the woman he loves. Who loves him. For eons, because of the way the mechanics of dreams work, in a world they can shape as they please. That’s amazing. And I’m sure any ending there would suck ass, any individual moment mean nothing. It’s just a lengthy day to day life. It’s mildly pleasant at best, and probably boring sometimes. But that’s incredible. It’s what… I mean, that’s the reason people live. That kind of power and possession and accomplishment, and the process of reveling in it. Right? I think that’s why there’s anything to the protagonist of Inception at all. And you can go have some little ankle biters or whatever to satiate evolution, but that’s not the point. I think happiness only matters when you can wake up with it most days. Otherwise I’d just do crack.” I have a pretty complicated expression, a frown deluded into a smile trying to appear neutral. Honestly? It’s probably best to leave before I say any more. I can really only make things worse. This whole aside isn’t a part of my life, it’s an unpleasant distraction. But… ugh. “Every movie’s gotta end at some point, and I won’t fault the director for his vision. Or for what he thinks he has to do to make money. It’s a dog eat dog world. Gotta do what you can. Like, Michael Bay has never made anything good, but we live in capitalism, and I kinda have to respect the genius of his hustle. But if one of them said that kinda shit you just did, treating the idea of ending as some holy ideal to excuse just cutting away before it can actually show anything compelling… I think they’d be a hack, Ms Blythe.” I shrug. It’s just film discussion, after all. No need to make a big thing out of it.
9:08 PM
“Also, the movie involves the group of protagonists incidentally helping a young man come to terms with his late father and their relationship, forging his own path and living a happier life, all while their actual main goal they accomplish is robbing him blind. I thought that was funny.”
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"I don’t think this is really the time for film discussion, as much as your perspective might interest some. Carolyn here is of the stubborn variety, you could say."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:21 PM
Carolyn's face holds one of the most genuine smiles she's felt in a while "A world of endless happiness. A day to day life that you can shape to your will. You understand, Ms. Craig, what very few in this world do. I've dumbed down my thoughts for a beginner in this field of thought, but you've caught onto the problem perfectly. Happiness only matters when it cannot end. A film ends and is gone forever, it's not a true infinite state of happiness, just a simulated one in our mind, a trick in a world full of them. No matter how much you convince yourself that this time you're fixed, that everything will be okay... you're wrong. There is only one escape, one place people can experience eternal bliss."
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"Carolyn, I really don’t think this conversation should continue…"
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“Wow. That’s nice to hear. Hope you find that.” Freak. I reply to suit man. “Yeah, sure, I’ve said my piece. You can go back to your very serious business now.” I turn around and open the door. “I’ll stay out of your hair, so I hope, as a small favor, if there’s some ambush waiting for me outside in connection with any crime, you’ll testify that Grace totally put me under all hells of duress. See you.”
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:24 PM
"Goodbye, Dana. Please, do consider what I've said here. I would love you see you join us one day."
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I cackle as I leave. It’s all I can think to do. Guess that probably makes me look like the lunatic. But come on. What other response is there to that?
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((Channel split))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / dana-craig
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I have nothing to say at this time.
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Grace is waiting outside. "Hey, Dana… What took you so long?"
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“Oh, you’re still here. Huh. I, uh, wanted to check something. And… I thought her connections could be useful in helping keep us out of trouble for all this nonsense. Didn’t quite get all I wanted on that front, but it was a worthwhile conversation.”
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"I was planning to leave… But for some reason I can’t understand, I started to get scared. Do you think I could… Stay with you tonight? You’re somehow the closest person I have left."
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“Okay.” Wait, no, I said that without thinking. Fuck. Okay. Fine. Ariel… I mean, she still just has her own apartment, she won’t even know.
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"…Thanks." She hugs Dana. She’s shaking slightly.
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I… well, this isn’t unpleasant…
9:33 PM
“Yeah. It’s fine. I know this was a lot.”
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"I don’t know what you’re talking about. Today was the happiest day of my life." She’s still shaking. "Because people finally did something for me."
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“I don’t…” … … … I don’t finish this sentence.
9:37 PM
“She was right about one thing. I shouldn’t have just randomly brought up you being annoyed at me. We’re not defined by our low points. Apologies.”
9:37 PM
Is this like… okay?
9:39 PM
I mean, she admitted it. I’m just… the only option. Michelle’s dead. Grobber’s out of the picture, probably for good. And I think some part of her must realize she can’t interact with Carolyn again.
9:40 PM
Ariel wasn’t so explicit, but… I mean, I can’t shake what that asshole said about her… even if he’s wrong, it’s just… I keep having to deal with her exes, somehow…
9:40 PM
Am I only good as a replacement?
9:40 PM
Wait.
9:40 PM
I let out a short, inexplicable laugh.
9:40 PM
Of course I am, right?
9:41 PM
That’s my power.
9:41 PM
Funny.
9:43 PM
“Yeah.” I, Dana Craig, say yeah to Grace “Wight” Rollins at the end(?) or at least somewhat late point of the eighth day starting count at the day of my first meeting with Ehn. “Let’s go. I’m exhausted.”
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"Alright. I guess we shouldn’t use that car, right?"
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“Yeah, I… Honestly, I’d want to light a match and blow the thing up if that weren’t obviously a bad idea. We can walk, it’s not that far.”
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"Alright." She starts walking.
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I’m Dana Craig and I’m walking
9:47 PM
9:49 PM
((A credits sequence “where are they now” epilogue plays. Grace and Ariel both abandoned Dana for one another. Carolyn thought about it and realized killing people was bad. Jessica and Kingsley starved to death in the abandoned building; their bodies were never found. Patthew finally solved that incident from back in 87 that has been haunting him all these years. No one knows what happened to that white suit guy, or the other suit woman. Bob Smith is still around.))
9:50 PM
“By the way, Grace, do you know who that guy with her was?”
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"I’ve only met him once. A friend of Carolyn’s, I guess. He walked in when we ki-" She stops herself. "When we said goodbye."
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… “…Okay. Well, there’s two words that could have been, and both…” I shake my head. “Whatever.”
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She stops, silently looking up at the Free News Network building for a moment.
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Of course; the Free News Network building. I look up at it. “Never liked Shelk, honestly. He can go die for all I care.”
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"My father is in there right now. I’m… supposed to be living with him again. It was supposed to feel right… He cares about me, and so I can live my life safely and healthily… But I look up there, and I’m just… Terrified. The thought of seeing him again… It makes me want to curl up into a ball and die." She turns back to Dana. "How was your father?"
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“I don’t know.” I pause for a moment. “Okay, that’s a stupid answer, I’m not an orphan and obviously I know. I’m just not sure what to say. I mean, unless some extreme circumstances happen, everyone’s just gonna think their parents are what a normal family is like. Already what you’ve said about your dad feels so confusing to me. But if I had to answer…” I pause to think.
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It’s a night where Dana Craig is unusually open. “Unreachable. And then all too reachable. I don’t know if we were ever that close. I can think of a few nice memories if I try, I guess. But he was out a lot. Work. He gave everything to his job, it feels like, and in return he got nothing but being worn out. I guess I shouldn’t complain when I benefited so much from that work.” I finally pry my eyes away from the stunningly captivating Free News Network building. “I think… I mean, it was its own kind of shock seeing him reduced to a state where he can’t even walk. But if I’m gonna have my psychoanalyst fodder problem that’ll never leave me as long as I live, it’s probably mom.”
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“She was even more unreachable. She had that same insane ability I’ll never get, the one to wake up and seize the day and show up to work and any obligations and go ‘hell yeah, I’m gonna do this!’. The one I don’t think I’ll ever… I don’t know. And she never seemed worn out from it like my father. That’s why she was able to be so much more active in my life, I think, why I remember her so much more often. She never stopped. She was incredible. It…” I’m shaking a little. From fear? Discomfort? Rage? It doesn’t matter. I shut that motion down. “It scared the shit out of me as I approached adulthood. I worried I’d never reach her level. Be able to make it in the world, to look her in the face as an equal, as fellow grown ups, or do whatever sort of repayment you’re supposed to to the people who raised you.” I smirk bitterly. “Well, I don’t have to worry about if I’ll ever get there or not. Question answered. She quit while she was ahead, and I can never… it became a game without a win state.” … “I think I’m the bad guy.”
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She resumes walking. "Well... You certainly have the vibe for it, I think. But being the bad guy probably isn't so bad... I spent years of my life trying to be the bad guy. Trying to make people care for me even if it meant they hated me... Because I didn't really know anything else. That's the note I want to leave Grobber on. Someone he'll hate forever... That way I can almost be sure I meant something to him, you know? But you're not really the same kind of villain. You're like... Funny. The kind of girl people go to parties for. You make me think of... You know, that trope with the evil goofy villain, who... When you get to know them... It's like... Comforting? Like if they're the villain... You still want to root for them even more than the hero. That's my... Analysis of it, anyway. You probably know more about yourself than I do."
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I’m walking, yeah. “Hm. I guess I see it. Part of me wants to call you crazy, but I guess I’d agree that it’s better to have people hate you than not think of you at all.” I glance at the sky. But of course there’s no stars. It’s a city. (Or maybe still daytime.) “I think I’ve agreed most of my life. Tried to be the funny one, not holding onto ambitions above that. It’s just tricky when you lay it out explicitly like that. I mean, people like the comic relief, the dick dastardly, but…” I look at Grace, finally. “Did you… love… Michelle? I don’t know if I’m honed at sensing this kind of subtext.” (edited)
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She looks away. "…Yeah. She was the first time I ever felt loved. Like I was… Clay in her hands. I wish she’d been around long enough to finish molding me into someone worthwhile."
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“I see.” I think of apologizing, but don’t.
10:41 PM
“I wonder… about that. I think people online make fun of both sides, the ‘I can fix her’ and ‘I can be fixed’. But it’s just… all human interaction. There isn’t as clear a division as people like to pretend. And there’s something really fucked up about that. I don’t trust anyone with that sort of power. That’s why I’ll never feel comfortable with the concept of therapy.”
10:42 PM
“Maybe it’s why I’ll always just be the funny one.”
10:42 PM
“No matter how thoroughly I can wear the concepts and motifs of something more…”
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"If it helps... I like this you just the way she is."
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“Mhm. Thanks.” I take a deep breath. If she doesn’t say anything for the rest of the way to my house, I don’t.
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"You said... You had a girlfriend. How does that... How does it feel? Love?"
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“Haha. Oh boy, that’s… I wonder. I, when I spoke to…” Ah, no, she wasn’t there. But it is a good shorthand. That conversation with Carolyn, of the momentary vs the long-term… “I don’t have the answer for how to… like, hold onto it. It feels like one of, like…” I laugh. “Stupid example, but I can’t think of a better one, like, a videogame skybox, where past a certain point it doesn’t seem like you can get any closer. But I’ve had it, at least something close to it, at least at times. And it’s…” I think every answer I can give to this question will be really lame. “It’s not a big, passionate flare. Nothing loud, exciting. That’s lust. Love is… it’s like a negative. It’s getting through having to walk through a cold night and arriving at your warm home. It’s being able to lay down in bed after feeling exhausted all day. It’s just… it’s okay that I exist, and good that I exist, and there is someone here who is mine to have and validate in such a way.” I might look like some blushing dweeb right now. “It’s thinking, ‘Yeah, this is it. I won. This was what it was all for.’. And then, if you want, until the rest of the world interrupts you, you don’t have to think anything else. It’s…” The passing, faint awareness of Genshin Gay Baby Jail. “Y-yeah… um, something like that. Probably.”
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"So when it’s passionate…? It’s just lust? Nothing real?"
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“I wouldn’t… know.” I look down.
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"What do you mean?"
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“I mean, passion is one thing, and I kinda had that, maybe. That’s a vague word. The specific one, um… I’ve felt lust, or whatever… but not quite in a sense that’s real. Just for… not for people I get to interact with. I mean, a little. I do think she’s pretty, but… it’s complicated. And it hasn’t gone… y’know, uh, consummated.” What. Why are you just telling her you’re a virgin what
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"For Michelle? I can understand that."
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“What? No, my girlfriend. Michelle’s alright, I guess. I was always more — uh, never mind that.” She’s not relevant anymore.
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"…Oh." They arrived.
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Right. ((is it eoc8 time or will there be more. i do not have an epic dana pre sleep monologue for this time because that was the past six hours))
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((It’s the end yeah))
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I direct Grace to my couch or whatever, and then sleep. (edited)
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"Goodnight, Dana."
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“Night.”
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Dana falls asleep. ((End chapter))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / carolyn-blythe
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Matrick's thoughts are Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, I need Hav.
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It’s clear from Grace's thoughts she’s figured out Carolyn did this, it’s just drowned in cognitive dissonance.
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Whatever thought Ethfan attempted to convey is lost as usual behind his general sense of misery.
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Grace thoughts. Because… It means you saved me.
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"Are you out of your mind?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:27 PM
"Are you truly so afraid of spreading Edlightenment's ideology? As its 'grandmaster' I think you should be happy with my performance. My usual restriction was not in place, she already suspected my crimes, and I did not point her to any proof of them. I see no reason to not make the best use of the situation that I can." (edited)
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"Dana Craig is not going to join you. She is never going to agree with you. After she was suspected of killing Marco Gould, I looked into her life. She’s never experienced true unhappiness. Nothing but a spoiled child trying to look tough." (edited)
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:34 PM
"Humans live for quite a long time, Ethfan. Anyone that can go their entire life without experiencing unhappiness is a statistical wonder. I'd rather her have my words in the back of her head whenever inevitability catches up with her. Even if I am not around by then, ideas don't die so easily."
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"Regardless… At this point, you surely have to agree. Grace is dying. Tonight."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:40 PM
"...Had she not visited me, I would not agree with that assessment, but..." Carolyn adjusts her glasses "She seems to truly see me as her savior. Regardless of how troubled her other relationships are, she's found someone who was willing to protect her... that unconditional love I've offered her, I'm sure it has allowed her a happiness worthy of treasuring forever. I'm ready to prove her correct."
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"…Good. Her father should be working late as usual, and her sister is in a coma. The apartment should be empty for long enough. I’ll get someone to keep watch and let us know when."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:47 PM
"Thank you, that will be quite helpful." Carolyn stands up "Ah, one curiosity I had, Grace doesn't have a mother, does she? My apologies, I should have researched this myself, but you seem to know more about her life than I ever have."
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"…Hm. You’re right, I’ve never heard of her mother. I can only speculate."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 9:54 PM
"Regardless, if she does not live with her, then I suppose it is not relevant to today. I shall focus on what needs to be done."
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"In other matters, I recommend we not return to this building anytime soon. You’ve angered far too many people for that to be a safe possibility."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:07 PM
Carolyn takes a quick glance around "...Yes, that would be best... There is no point clinging to this method of helping others; it would certainly be more practical to take precautions to ensure that I am able to continue helping them in the future. Allow me a moment to water my plants, and we can be off." Carolyn begins watering the plants she's decorated her office with.
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"Really...?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:15 PM
"Plants do not have consciousness, they cannot be thankful for my help, but... when you look at a room decorated with healthy flora, it's relaxing. These small details are everything when it comes to therapy. Bright yellow hair of comforting sunlight, a passionate pink cardigan, and even romantic red contacts. Maybe you won't consciously notice it, but setting a mood for healing is just as important as any other piece of therapy. I don't know when the next time someone visits this room will be, but if I can perform this small deed to make them feel a little better, it's worth it."
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"It's... Odd, don't you think? That only animals have been blessed with consciousness, and only humans have been blessed with true thought. If there is a god of some form, she certainly played favorites didn't she?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:27 PM
"I'm afraid I don't see that as unusual at all. Cruel, perhaps, but expected. There really is no difference between a plant that can never experience happiness, and a human born into circumstances that prevent a happy death for them. That is simply the natural state of this world, as long as humanity remains here, unfairness can only be seen as the standard."
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"Are you saying... You think plants have souls? That when they die... They're forever left in that same emotional limbo... Yet one where there is no such thing as emotion?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:34 PM
"I would not be so presumptuous as to add new scripture to Edlightenment. Just... thinking aloud. If that were the case, it would certainly be a better fate than a human dying in a bout of depression, so I suppose the plants should count their blessings there."
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"Hm. Most would find that religions unwilling to grow quickly get outdated."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:39 PM
"I have no interest in advocating for anything less than what I truly believe in. Gaining new followers through a skewed set of beliefs is no better than gaining none at all."
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"So you believe it to the letter, then? I would be unsurprised if some found zealotry noble."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:51 PM
"Thank you for the encouragement, Ethfan. Although I do not follow my father's teachings for the sake of being viewed positively."
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He can't resist a laugh. "Of course. Shall we leave, then?"
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 10:52 PM
"Yes, I see no reason to delay further." She exits the therapy office.
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He follows.
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 11:10 PM
"There's really no point returning to our hotel while we still have Grace to deal with, I suppose. Would you like to stop by a café while we wait? I don't believe either of us have had anything to eat since breakfast... although I'm aware you aren't particularly concerned regarding your health."
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"Alright, I suppose."
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Carolyn Blythe 5/27/2023 11:12 PM
Carolyn Blythe leads the way, since she presumably knows the area of the city around her therapy office and there are usually places to eat in cities.
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They arrive at a café. ((End session))
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((Saturday))
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They arrive at a café.
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 2:32 PM
Carolyn orders an Americano coffee and as nutritious a sandwich as she can manage with the menu, then takes a seat.
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Ethfan sits across from her and orders a plain black coffee. He looks around cautiously.
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 2:50 PM
After finishing taking a bite and sip from her ordered items, she begins speaking with Ethfan "You know, I find our conversation from this morning rather funny, in retrospect. The one regarding your lack of concern for your own diet, that is. It is a bit ironic coming from someone with a fishery in their family."
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"…" He grips his cup tightly in response. "Well, I’ve simply never been particularly interested in Hav's interests."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 3:06 PM
"Of course, no one should feel obligated to engage in activities that don't fulfill them. Although, he does seem quite interested in you, on the other hand." She pauses "My apologies, I'm sure you understand I had no intention of violating your brother's privacy, but I'm afraid with my gift, it is simply inevitable."
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"Of course. Only truly selfless people violate consent." He takes a sip.
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 3:12 PM
"...I wish to ask you about something I heard in his mind. Hav had a surprisingly detailed image of me. One he claimed to have gotten from you, actually. There was one detail that stood out as peculiar, though. Ethfan, do you believe yourself to be a target of mine?"
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"I haven’t told him a thing. In fact, I’d have rather you 2 not know of each other quite yet."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 4:43 PM
"An unexpected interloper in your plans, then? That does seem to happen quite an unfortunate amount. I suppose these mistakes are to be expected when one is still settling into the role of Grandmaster... A title derived from the scene of professional chess players, if I'm not mistaken. If so, it does appear to be a bit of a callous way of viewing your members." (edited)
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"…Do you suspect me of something?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 4:50 PM
"You are quite the enigmatic individual, Mr. Kerloe. As a therapist, it's only natural that I try to get to the bottom of what makes you tick." She takes a sip of her coffee "Although, perhaps some context is in order for my curiosity to sound more reasonable. Do you have any suspicion of what I see inside of your head?"
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"The same thing I see, naturally. Nothing but consistent praise for you."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 4:57 PM
"I'm afraid there's no 'but' here. I see nothing inside of your head. Not to say that you have no thoughts, that would be quite a rude sentiment to express. I can only assume they're being drowned out. I'm telling you this now in part because it presented a problem in our work today. You attempted to silently communicate something to me during our conversation with Grace, did you not? If you had known this blind spot in my senses, perhaps that could have gone smoother."
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"…Hm. I see. How inconvenient." He shrugs. "And so all of my rehearsed praising was for nothing. You haven’t heard any of my positive words at all." He laughs miserably. "My apologies, it seems my attempts to make you feel welcomed were nothing but a waste."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 5:22 PM
"It is nothing to apologize over. It is hardly as if I asked for your consent in the matter in the first place, after all. I do appreciate the effort, nonetheless. I hope you find more external ways to make future associates of yours feel welcomed."
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He smirks. "When I heard of your ability, I figured it ought to serve as a test of your individual wisdom. Would you blindly trust the words inside my mind, or would you start suspicious regardless. It seems that in the end, the answer was meaningless."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 5:36 PM
"Unless I am merely attempting to trick you into dropping your guard. I do not have to be a mind reader to know that must be what anyone would think in your place. I would not be offended. It is only natural when dealing with a person holding my track record."
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"..." He checks his phone. "It's strange. She should be home by now."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 5:40 PM
"I would not be particularly surprised were the police to have apprehended her by now. You heard what Dana had to say regarding the crime's subtlety. I do quite hope that is not the case. From experience, prison makes it rather... difficult to deal with persons of interest."
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"On that topic, I should mention that Bob Smith is in prison. Not for any crimes related to you. Something about one of my old coworkers, Jackson Day."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:03 PM
"That is... unfortunate. I do hope he is given proper amenities for his mental health to be treated. Not all correctional facilities provide the resources those on the outside have access to. Well, I say that like everyone outside of prison can access therapy... Oh, my apologies, this is beside the point."
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"Indeed it is. What matters is that we no longer have to worry about other events like this morning."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:10 PM
"Rather, we do not have to worry from the perspective of Mr. Smith being the perpetrator. An unfortunately small relief given the number of others who have attempted similar. Still, it would do no good to look a gift horse in the mouth. This is certainly better for us than if he were roaming free."
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"Hm." He looks through his phone for a moment. "…It doesn’t seem like she was arrested, either. Rather… Well, to state my worry… Are you sure she would not run away again?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:21 PM
"I suppose it is not impossible, but I truly doubt it would be for the same reason, at least. It would not make sense for her to expect her father to chase after her, considering her previous attempt ended in her approaching him. Perhaps she has just decided to start a new life, and move on. Or..." Carolyn pauses and sets down her drink before continuing "...could it be that she's waiting for me to follow her?"
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"You?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:30 PM
"You saw the event that transpired in the hospital yesterday. It is quite clear that I have become Grace's new source of... unreciprocated affection. She wanted proof that her father cared about her by forcing him to search for her. This seems rather the same, does it not? Wishing me farewell despite unresolved romantic feelings, it certainly could support the conclusion that she desires for me to act."
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There’s clear disgust in his voice. "All that… For you?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:40 PM
"It is not so unusual. It may have been a necessity for my occupation, but I still displayed nothing but kindness to her in her darkest moments. Think of it as similar to the suspension bridge effect. Her dependent personality certainly does not hurt this possibility's likelihood, either. I suspect something similar would play out regardless of my presence in her life, I just happened to be the best fit."
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"What about Grobber? What act makes you better than him in her eyes?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 6:47 PM
"Perhaps she is homosexual. Her participation in activities with Mr. Brentwood could be nothing more than compulsory heterosexuality. She certainly appeared to have feelings of this nature for Michelle, despite having established access to Grobber."
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"So transferring familial desires… Into sexual ones? I highly doubt any sane person would do something like that."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 7:11 PM
"I would not phrase it in such a straightforward manner. It is natural that her manner of interacting with her father would manifest in a romantic relationship, is it not? We learn about what intimacy means primarily from our parents after all. There is no stronger a source on who we are than the ones who raised us and shaped our impressionable minds. Grace has moved past needing a parent, what she believes she needs now is a new kind of caretaker: a significant other. And thus she is presenting those emotions in the way she learned to display intimacy."
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He leans back in his chair before answering. "Relying on a relationship to function as your caretaker? Are you truly of the opinion that this is sensible? Either we create our own selves, or we find it from our family. Attempting to artificially replace it with romantic love is simply wrong. Are you going to attempt to replace your father with her as well? Surely you see the futility here."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 7:25 PM
"I may be a therapist, but you should know that I am not in the business of creating long term solutions. Sensible, healthy actions take time, time we do not have. If Grace needs to view me as her caretaker to be happy today, then that is an acceptable solution."
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"...But you agree, don't you?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 7:40 PM
"I share your opinion that making such an attempt is quite illogical, but I make no moral judgements on it. Everyone is simply trying their best to reach fulfillment, even if they have no idea how. Without my intervention, Grace's attempts to replace her father would leave her more burned and broken than before. As it is with all long term relationships."
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"No moral judgements? Is that not at odds with your defense of it? You're feigning impartiality while clearly stating you do have a stance on it."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 7:57 PM
She takes a couple bites of her sandwich before responding "I suppose my support of Grace's actions is undeniable. By happenstance, she has come across me, someone willing to take the action that gives morality to her action. Were she to not be freed of this world, it would simply be another meaningless bump on the road. But as long as we succeed in our goal, it will be this view she holds that grants her happiness."
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"You almost make it sound like you’re scared she’ll forget you."
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 8:03 PM
She gives a small shake of her head "I do not create happiness for my sake, Ethfan. It is the right thing to do, and thus I continue to do it. How my patient views me is only my concern as far as it is relevant to treating them."
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"I was simply pointing out an observation. Naturally, I have no intent to question your selfless devotion." He checks his phone. "But if she really is waiting for you… Where would she be?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 8:35 PM
Carolyn finishes her food and drink while pondering this "I do not claim to know this for certain, but thinking it through logically, we can narrow down the possibilities rather easily. It would have to be a location we both know the whereabouts of, but one I would not go to normally. If she were just waiting at my apartment or office, I would not have to be searching for her to find her. So what does that leave us with? The hospital where we shared a kiss and Mr. Brentwood's residence are both possibilities, but neither sit quite as right as my guess." She stands up "Make peace with the past to live a happy future. Even someone as misguided as her understands the necessity of that. I can think of no better place to exemplify that idea than where her last love was put to rest. Michelle's house, that is where we should check first."
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"Her house…? Are you sure that’s safe?"
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 8:39 PM
"I know they say the criminal will always return to the scene of their crime, but that is just a saying. No one would choose there of all places to lie in wait for me. And surely there will not be any police guarding a week old crime scene. What would be the point?"
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"I suppose you’re right." He finishes his coffee.
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 8:42 PM
"It is relieving to have your support in this matter." She makes her way out of the café.
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"…" He follows.
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Carolyn Blythe 6/3/2023 8:48 PM
Carolyn begins on the route to Michelle's house, a path she still has committed to memory.
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By the time they arrive, midnight passes. ((End chapter))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-maoziwam
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Lelouch wakes up the next morning. Despite the last thing she remembers seeing, Jade is fine and asleep next to her.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 2:50 PM
Lelouch stretches, yawning. "Huh. That was weird." She says to herself, her voice quiet as to not wake Jade. She looks over, smiling.
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Jade does not respond because she is still asleep.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 2:52 PM
Lelouch gets out of the bed, walking over to her bedroom-kitchen-thing and pouring herself a hearty bowl of Cereal™️.
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Jade yawns as she wakes up.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 3:11 PM
"Ah, morning, cutie!" Lelouch smiles, grabbing another bowl and pouring Jade one. "Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. How was your sleep? Are you feeling better than yesterday?"
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"Yup! Good morning, cutie!~" Jade says it for Lelouch.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 3:20 PM
"Ahh, I'm glad." She says with a smile, finishing the cereal bowls. Bringing Jade a bowl, she says, "breakfast is served!"
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"That's not the line." She says, disappointed. "Is something on your mind?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 3:23 PM
Lelouch's smile slightly falters, before she shakes her head. "Oh, nothing's wrong! Don't worry, cutie."
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"If you say so!" She starts eating cereal.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 3:44 PM
(Sorry! Had to do smth)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 3:55 PM
Lelouch smiled, eating her cereal. Although she seemed happy, she couldn't shake the dread she had from yesterday.
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"So... Now we have to get to school quickly and fill that place up with perfume... And then we go get Shawn before he can wake up."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 4:16 PM
(Sorry sorry, I keep dying 😭)
4:17 PM
Lelouch nods, thinking. "Then we'd better get an early leave. Hopefully Shuichi hasn't woken up yet," she says, the last part directed to herself but loud enough for Jade to hear.
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Jade finishes her cereal and hurries out of the room.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/15/2023 4:34 PM
Lelouch quickly follows Jade, hoping not to bump into her father.
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Shuichi is standing in the hallway. With a resigned sigh, he just says: "You win." "We know." Jade keeps going.
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((Saturday))
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Shuichi is standing in the hallway. With a resigned sigh, he just says: "You win." "We know." Jade keeps going.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:11 PM
Lelouch rolled her eyes.
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"But mark my words, someday soon you shall regret your childish actions! The world you seek is not one of happiness! You will drown yourself in pointless gluttony until you finally realize you feel nothing and you can no longer swim free. That is the fate you have condemned yourself to! And… And when you can finally tell the lies of happiness apart from their deceit… You will remember the father who showed you the right way! And how you pushed him away in arrogance!" Shuichi. "Do you ever get tired of your own voice?" Jade entered the elevator and closed the doors behind Lelouch.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:18 PM
"I know I do," Lelouch responded to Jade, singularly referring to Shuichi's voice. "So, do you have the perfume?" She smiled.
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"Of course." She took it out. "You cannot replace the loving embrace of your mother! You cannot replace the loving embrace of your brother! What you seek is simply arrogance and folly-" The elevator descended too far down for his words to reach them.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:23 PM
Lelouch turns to Jade, smiling. "Do you think he practices those monologues in the mirror? Maybe he's got cue cards prepared for these situations." She chuckled.
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"Honestly, that nonsense is way too half-baked to be practiced. He just says whatever nonsense lies come to mind in the vain hopes he can ever reach high up enough to hit your spirit in the heavens."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:36 PM
It took a minute for Lelouch to put together what Jade meant, but she got it. "Awe, thanks."
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"Any time! I can’t let him ruin your mood like that." She smiled, kissing Lelouch.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:41 PM
Jade gave a small peck on the lips back, before smiling wide. The fire in her eyes returned. "Now, are you ready to make our school a better place?!"
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"Yeah! And then the world!" The elevator arrived at the lobby.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:47 PM
Lelouch left, chuckling.
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Jade followed.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 3:55 PM
No one? 😔. Lelouch walks to the school with Jade.
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It’s early morning, so it’s just teachers getting ready. Jade heads to the vent opening and pours some perfume inside.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:02 PM
devious vibes
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"We should put on our masks, just in case." Jade gets in her villain costume.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:10 PM
(We have villain costumes? 😭)
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((You got them in chapter 5 yeah))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:13 PM
(Ahh kk)
4:14 PM
"Ahh, yea!" Lelouch puts her villain costume on as well.
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Jade goes into the school and heads to the principal’s office.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:18 PM
Lelouchs sneaks alongside her gg
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She knocks on the door. "Let us in!" The principal lets them in, and Jade immediately starts digging through the drawers.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:24 PM
Lelouch keeps an eye on the door.
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"I found it. Shawn Duveldt." She reads out an address.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:28 PM
Lelouch nods "By all means,lead the way, cutie."
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Jade left the school and headed off towards Shawn's address.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:31 PM
Lelouch follows
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They arrived in front of his front door. Jade rang the bell. "Are you ready?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:36 PM
"Yea" (remind me wgat we're doing)
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The door opened, with 2 adults standing inside. Jade immediately sprayed them.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 4:58 PM
(NOT THE PARENTS THIS NEVER ENDS WELL) Lelouch nods "Ah, quick thinking, Jade!"
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"Listen to everything Ms. Lelouch tells you." Jade. They nod.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 5:01 PM
"Is Shawn home?" She asks.
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"He’s still asleep." Shawn’s mom. "Ooh! Make him a bowl of cereal for when he wakes up." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 5:06 PM
"Hm...but he's a man, does he deserve to wake up to a bowl of cereal?"
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"Well, he’s still a useful one here isn’t he?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 5:28 PM
(Brb sor)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 6:44 PM
"Ahh, true...yea, I suppose he should be treated for being useful this once. One of you make Shawn a bowl of [cereal brand here)!"
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"We don't have that." The father. "Then go buy some!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 6:46 PM
"Yea. You, go buy some (cereal brand here), while you wake up Shawn!" She gestures to the dad and the mom respectively.
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They do this. ((End session))
6:47 PM
((Saturday is going to be evil))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/20/2023 7:27 PM
(Nooooo)
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Shawn's father leaves to go buy cereal and Shawn's mother heads to his room.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 2:42 PM
Lelouch patiently waits.
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Jade sits down at the table.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 2:45 PM
Lelouch exists.
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Shawn's mother returns. "He’s coming."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 2:48 PM
"Ah good! You ready, Jade?" Lelouch smiles at her bae
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Jade smiles and nods.
2:51 PM
Shawn enters the room.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn is gently shaken awake by his mother.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:37 PM
“Hm… what?”
2:37 PM
Shawn struggles to adjust to the light (edited)
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"Wake up, Shawn." Madeline.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:38 PM
“I’m up, I’m up… what’s up?” Shawn mumbles
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"We have visitors. Get dressed and come down."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:39 PM
“Visitors? Who is it?”
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"That doesn’t matter. Just hurry up."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:40 PM
“Alright, alright.”
2:40 PM
“Can you get out of the room while I’m changing?”
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She leaves.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:42 PM
Shawn was suspicious. His parents didn’t have visitors often. He didn’t know any of their friends particularly well, and he didn’t see his extended family outside of holidays. Something was up.
2:43 PM
On a Monday morning, too. Weird
2:46 PM
Shawn got dressed. Just in case, he prepped his costume hidden in his school bag. He went downstairs, left the bag at a convenient place to grab it, and went to the main room to see the visitors
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Your father is not in the room, but Madeline is. Of course, that’s not actually what catches his eye the fastest. Lelouch Maoziwam and Jade Lamperouge are in your home.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-and-shawn
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 2:51 PM
((oogas your booga)
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:53 PM
((Sorry give me a sec))
2:54 PM
"You... I thought..."
2:54 PM
Shawn is like a deer in headlights
2:55 PM
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 2:58 PM
"Hi Shawn." Lelouch Lelouches.
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"Say the phrase." Jade whispers.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 2:59 PM
((Real quick))
2:59 PM
((Are shawns parents in this room?))
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((Your mom is))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:00 PM
3:01 PM
Shawn snaps out of it upon hearing Jade speak. Fight or flight "IjustrealizedIforgotsomethinginmyroomandIneedtogoBYE" Shawn starts pacing in the opposite direction (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:01 PM
"Shawn, what are your thoughts on cereal?"
3:01 PM
(not hanging on /j)
3:01 PM
(letting go actually)
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:03 PM
Shawn keeps moving, and attempts to cover his ears, although his hands are shaky
3:03 PM
Gettothebaggettothebaggettothebag Shawn repeats in his head and focuses on it as much as possible
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:06 PM
Lelouch smiles. Putting the L in Duveldt with how easy this is. "Alright! Jade, you ready?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
Ohgod oh god oh god oh god. WHy is this happening what the hell why why why She should be kidnapped she shouldn't be here she should be out of here I had the chance yesterday why didnt I go through with it why didnt I get her
3:08 PM
Shawn grabs the bag and goes back to shakily holding his ears
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Shawn Duveldt
Ohgod oh god oh god oh god. WHy is this happening what the hell why why why She should be kidnapped she shouldn't be here she should be out of here I had the chance yesterday why didnt I go through with it why didnt I get her
Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
(common mistake)
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
((DONT READ THEM)) (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
(OH)
3:09 PM
(OK)
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"Ms Duveldt, stop him!" Jade. "Shawn!" She grabs onto him.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:09 PM
((i almost included like shawn spoilers in there lmao thank god))
3:10 PM
"M-Mom?" Shawn is shocked for a moment but holds his ears
3:10 PM
"Goddamn it, you too?"
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She tries to pry his hands off. ((Roll ig))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:16 PM
Shawn has his hands somewhat pried off. He buried his ear in his shoulder
3:16 PM
“Mom, please. You love me right. Please. You can’t do this. She’s going to destroy us”
3:17 PM
Shawn attempts to get his hand out of the hold
3:20 PM
((17))
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((That was NOT your roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:21 PM
((okayyyy)) (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:22 PM
((oh, so my roll?))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:22 PM
((i mean i assume Atmey's))
3:22 PM
((it's an NPC's turn))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:22 PM
((ah gotcha))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:22 PM
((or. not turn. whatever))
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Shawn's hands are pulled away from his ears. "Treat your guests with more respect."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:26 PM
Shawn starts crying a little bit "Mom, please. I'll never ask you for anything ever again. Please. I love you so much. Just let me out I can't stay here"
3:26 PM
There wasn't any way for him to open the door without uncovering his ears, anyway. Shawn was fucked from the start
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She doesn’t let go.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:33 PM
Shawn shoves her with his other hand, and reaches for the door
3:34 PM
((should i roll for this))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:35 PM
Lelouch just...watches. Guess it wasn't as easy as she thought. "Shawn, what are your thoughts on cereal?"
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Shawn is back under her control.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:37 PM
Ayyy "Alright, NOW are you ready to go, Jade?" She smiles.
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Shawn Duveldt
((should i roll for this))
Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:39 PM
^
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((I think either way it wouldn’t have changed anything))
3:40 PM
Shawn’s father returns with a box of cereal.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:40 PM
((i cant win 😭))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:42 PM
"Ohhh, right, the cereal. You!" She gestures to Mr. Duveldt, "please pour Shawn a bowl of that cereal."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:43 PM
Shawn is sobbing
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He does this. "Eat your breakfast, Shawn. This is a gift from Ms. Lelouch, so be sure to thank her for it."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:44 PM
Shawn doesnt move
3:49 PM
Shawn picks up the cereal, and turns to face Lelouch
3:50 PM
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 3:50 PM
"Eat your breakfast, Shawn. Don't you wanna start the day healthily?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:50 PM
xrefcd xasxsaxedcsx
3:51 PM
Shawn picks up the bowl. Since he doesnt have a spoon he simply eats it with his fingers. He's still crying
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"If you’re going to cry, at least make it tears of joy." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:52 PM
Shawn doesnt know how take that as an order, but wipes his tears. "What do you want from me?"
3:53 PM
"God fucking. Why bring them into this?"
3:53 PM
"What did they have to do with anything. They're innocent."
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"Why are you pretending Ms. Lelouch is hurting them?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:56 PM
"Inserting thoughts into someones head, making them do and think and act as you want... That's the cruelest torture I could imagine."
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"Well, you must be very unimaginative." She laughs. "Stop questioning Ms. Lelouch."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 3:59 PM
Shawn doesn't say anything. He can't, actually
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"We told you to thank Ms. Lelouch for this. What are you waiting for?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:03 PM
A million thoughts run through Shawn's head, most of them in extreme anger or extreme panic, but he says a quiet "Thank you, Lelouch."
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"Did you hear that, Ms. Lelouch? Or should he say it louder?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:06 PM
Shawn tries to cry but finds himself unable to
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:07 PM
"I'm sorry, Shawn, I didn't quite hear you." She leans in, smiling. "What did you say?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:08 PM
"Thank you, Lelouch." Shawn is so pissed
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:12 PM
"You are welcome, Shawn." Lelouch keeps smiling. "How're you enjoying your cereal I made your dad get? Personally, I prefer General Mill's Frosted Mini-Chex to it, but Kellogg's All-Bran Satana Bran is an appropriate meal to start the day to!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:13 PM
"It's... It's alright. Sorta bland."
4:13 PM
"Would be better if I had a spoon."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:13 PM
"But do you deserve a spoon?"
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"Bland? You’re eating cereal and you dare to call it bland?" Jade. (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam
"But do you deserve a spoon?"
Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:14 PM
"That question sounds rhetorical."
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Ehn/PC
"Bland? You’re eating cereal and you dare to call it bland?" Jade. (edited)
Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:15 PM
"I mean... Do you want me to lie?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:15 PM
"It is. Also, Jade's right. Kellogg's All-Bran Sultana Bran is a staple of a classic breakfast! It's high-fibre and nutritional value make it entirely better than the cereal you'll regularly find!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:16 PM
"Is it? I thought this was the generic stuff."
4:16 PM
"It's good then, sure. Healthy."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:16 PM
"I suppose you just wouldn't understand the true greatness of cereal."
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"Generic? It’s cereal. What do your parents feed you?" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:17 PM
"Ask them. Theyre right here."
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"He eats on his own." Shawn’s mom.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:17 PM
"Yeah. Mostly eggs and toast."
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"How uncultured. Feed him cereal from now on." Jade.
4:24 PM
"You know where that friend of yours, Kite, lives right?" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:25 PM
"Yeah, I do."
4:25 PM
"If you want me to take you to him, I'll need to grab my phone from my room."
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"Definitely not happening. You’re going to bring him to school for us. And you aren’t going to go and tell him anything."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:27 PM
"Sure, I can do that."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:29 PM
Lelouch nods to Jade's words, agreeing. "Maybe one of us should stay by him, to make sure he doesn't ruin anything."
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"But wouldn’t that alert Kite?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:30 PM
"Hmm...true..."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:31 PM
"I can handle myself. I'm bound to your word, anyway."
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"Make sure he arrives a few hours late, so we can set everything up. It doesn’t matter what excuse you make, as long as you don’t tell him about us and you both arrive then."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:35 PM
"Got it."
4:37 PM
"Do you want me to go now?"
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Jade turns to Lelouch expectantly.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:43 PM
"Ah..." Lelouch thinks about it, before nodding. "Yes, I'd say go now."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:44 PM
"Alright." Shawn heads out
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"Don’t betray us!" Jade calls out as he leaves. ((Channel split))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-maoziwam
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"Back to school, then?" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:46 PM
"Back to school."
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She heads towards the school.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:49 PM
Lelouch follows#
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People have started arriving, and naturally they’re all getting perfumed by what’s in the vents.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:55 PM
"Well, looks like our plan's working!"
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"Of course. You’re a genius, Ms Lelouch."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 4:57 PM
"Awe, thanks!" (edited)
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"Anytime." She smiled.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 5:16 PM
"So, we've got to make Kite pay, right?"
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"Exactly."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 5:25 PM
(brb for a few)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 5:47 PM
(back)
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((Wb))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 5:49 PM
((im still stuck on what to do hh)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 4/22/2023 6:16 PM
(can we end session here? I know thats like, not a desired outcome and I am sorry, but my brain is just...stumping right now.)
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((Alright fine))
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((You said you were busy so no session))
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((Saturday))
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"Exactly."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 3:04 PM
(HI)
3:04 PM
(SORRY I FORGOT)
3:04 PM
(IK ITS NOT AN EXCUSE BUT IM HERE)
3:06 PM
"How many people do you think would be fitting?"
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"Fitting for what?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 3:08 PM
"Well, making Kite pay. Are we thinking whole school numbers or just a couple classrooms?" (edited)
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"But… What would these people be doing? Laughing at him?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 3:14 PM
"Ah, right! Yea, of course. He humiliated me, so what better way to get back at him than do the same to him?" She explains.
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"That sounds perfect! You’re a genius, Ms Lelouch!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 3:36 PM
"Heh, thanks." She softly chuckles. "But back to my question, should it be the whole school that humiliates him? I think that punishment fits the crime perfectly myself, but I'd love to hear your opinion on it!"
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"Of course! So-called heroes like him only rely on the support of those around them. As soon as he sees that your fixed world hates him, he’ll have to realize that he was the real villain all along!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 4:07 PM
"Exactly!" She smiles approvingly.
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"Lelouch! I found you!" Eryn approached them.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 4:09 PM
"Ah, Eryn!" She waves.
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"Perfect. The more the merrier, as they say!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 4:16 PM
"Well, since we don't have to go to school today...would you like to go do something? We could watch anime!"
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"I love anime!" Jade. "I’ve never watched any." Eryn.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 4:33 PM
(sorry i got distracted over aunt fanny)
4:36 PM
Lelouch is...shocked. "Really? You've never watched anime?" She smirks. Clearly, she needs to impart wisdom upon this uncultured being. "Well, to settle you in, we'll watch..." She starts listing off different anime idk im not atmey. "That sound good?" She smiles, checking that Jade and Eryn were alright with the anime she had listed.
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"That sounds great!" Jade. Eryn has no opinion on this.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 4:54 PM
"Great! We'll watch Aikatsu then!" (edited)
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((Why me!!!! I do not relate to Lelouch’s tastes…))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 5:10 PM
((Bc I do not know Annie May!!!!!!!!!)
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((How tf))
5:11 PM
((Idk just say aikatsu that’s the established Lelouch one))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 5:14 PM
((WDFYM HOW TF))
5:15 PM
((there done now respond))
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"I’m so excited!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:01 PM
(Uhhh where do we go)
6:01 PM
(Sorry i was busy)
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((It was your idea, you decide))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:05 PM
((IT WAS UR IDEA!)
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((I WAS BEING GENERAL! IM NOT WEITING THID CHARACTER FIR YOU))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:18 PM
((I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WRITE THIS CHARACTER 😭
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((Well idk what you want me to say, I can’t just feed you writing forever))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:31 PM
Lelouch whips out her phone and shows Aikatsu off to Eryn, playing the first video.
6:33 PM
Jade is enjoying the show. Eryn just seems confused.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:48 PM
Lelouch is happy bc wam
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"What part of this is supposed to be fun? Where’s the action? The fights?" Eryn.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 6:57 PM
"Oh, you want fights? We can do fights!" She puts on that one anime with the anime girls and guns yk the one the cool one
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((Im going to assume you mean Girls und Panzer because that’s funnier))
6:59 PM
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 7:03 PM
((yea that one))
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"Ms Lelouch… You shouldn’t change yourself for others. She should learn to love what you love!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 7:05 PM
"Oh, I'm fine with watching them. They're women in positions of power after all!" Lelouch smiles.
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"But you picked Aikatsu first."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/6/2023 7:07 PM
"Yea, but we're watching so that Eryn can understand the joys of anime."
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"Wouldn’t it be better to just make her understand with the perfume? She should love everything you love!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/7/2023 7:04 AM
FUCK i fell asleep)
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((Saturday))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 2:22 PM
(Here)
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Ehn/PC
"Wouldn’t it be better to just make her understand with the perfume? She should love everything you love!"
Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 2:24 PM
"Girls und Panzer depicts women in positions of power, and rightfully so. It's a great starting point for Eryn to understand the pleasure of anime!"
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((Don’t you read #ooc-threads… I delayed it by 2 hours because I was busy))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 3:52 PM
(Oh)
3:52 PM
((I don't really read general all that much.))
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"If you say so, Ms Lelouch…" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 4:16 PM
Lelouch allows Girls und Panzer to play for a few more minutes, before smugly turning to Eryn. "Well? Do you get it, now?"
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"Well, it’s certainly more exciting. But it’s also so silly, don’t you think a girl as cool as you should focus on serious things?" Eryn. (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 4:27 PM
Lelouch face shifts, clearly offended by the comment. "Silly? Anime isn't silly! Watching it is an enjoyable and acceptable pasttime that I take massive pride in!"
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"But why?" Eryn.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 4:38 PM
"Why? Anime offers so much! It hass rich storytelling, unique visual style, and diverse themes and genres appeal to many. Character development and cultural exploration provide depth and learning opportunities. Plus, the community is amazing! It grows connections and shared interests! The only 'bad' thing I can think of is the amount of guys who don't appreciate the women in anime." Lelouch huffs.
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"Isn’t anime just made for lonely shut-in men to objectify women?" Eryn.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 4:45 PM
"Maybe to the uncivilised person, but when I better the world, people will understand the true artistry of anime and the women inside it. No longer will disgusting men objectify, they'd clear the way for the real fans of anime to appreciate women as they should be."
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"You’re really passionate about anime." Eryn. "Everyone has to be passionate about something." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 5:16 PM
(How long's left, would you say?)
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((Until they return?))
5:21 PM
((I mean Shawn and Kite))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 5:23 PM
(Uhh yea I guess?)
5:24 PM
(If that's what we're waiting for, yeah)
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((I can basically call it whenever but it would end the session))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 5:27 PM
((Ohh)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 6:01 PM
"You should be too, Eryn!"
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"I am passionate about something, but… It’s more like a higher calling." Eryn.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 6:33 PM
FUCK i forgot to respond sob)
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Ehn/PC
"I am passionate about something, but… It’s more like a higher calling." Eryn.
Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 6:33 PM
"Well, can't you be passionate about that and anime?"
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"She can." Jade. "I guess I can." Eryn.
6:34 PM
It’s approaching the time for Shawn and Kite to arrive.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 6:52 PM
"Exactly. Thank you, Eryn." There was a hint of sarcasm to Lelouch's tone.
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"Should we head inside to ambush Kite?" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/13/2023 7:25 PM
"Yeah!" Lelouch responds excitedly
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They go inside. ((End session))
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((Next Sunday same time))
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((I lost track of time sorry)) They go inside.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:23 PM
((ah gotcha yo)
2:25 PM
Lelouch leads, as she should ✨
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Jade goes to a window and watches through it.
2:32 PM
"They're here." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:39 PM
"Ahh...it's coming together better than I dreamed..."
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"Eryn should probably hide, right? He'll get alarmed if he sees her." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:41 PM
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Eryn, could you hide yourself?"
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"Will do. Call me back whenever you can! I'm always happy to see someone as great as you, Ms Lelouch." She leaves.
2:46 PM
Shawn enters the school.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:52 PM
#lelouch-and-shawn right?)
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((Was just waiting to see if you'd react first))
2:52 PM
((Like hiding or something))
2:55 PM
Kite is with him. They're both wearing gas masks.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:18 PM
Shawn scans his room for anything that would cause a large distraction if he made a sudden movement
4:18 PM
Should I roll for this
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Shawn is not in his room.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:19 PM
Ok well
4:19 PM
The room near the door
4:19 PM
Whatever
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:22 PM
((18))
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There is nothing in this room that could cause a large enough distraction to matter.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:24 PM
You suck
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 4:46 PM
Don't betray us... Don't betray us? Really? That means jack shit. We're not on the same team, and we never were. You're evil.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:04 PM
Still, how am I supposed to do this...
5:05 PM
I can't just get Kite there. That's clearly an ambush
5:05 PM
I could contact Detective Scott...
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Shawn is incapable of doing these.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:07 PM
Wait why
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The instructions are clear. If Shawn doesn’t go now and stop Kite from heading to school immediately he would already fail the "make Kite arrive a few hours late" command.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:09 PM
Ah ok
5:09 PM
Shawn forgot this
5:10 PM
Thank you, voice in Shawn's head
5:10 PM
Shawn heads to Kite's
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Shawn arrives at Kite's apartment building.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:11 PM
Shawn's bruises still ache a bit
5:11 PM
He heads up
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This happens without issue.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:12 PM
Shawn knocks on Kite's door
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"Huh? Who’s there?" Kite yells from inside.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:13 PM
"It's Shawn. It's important."
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"Didn’t I tell you not to come here?" Kite opens the door.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:15 PM
"It's really important. I got word from Scott. He told me there's a lead that someone is trying to ambush us at the school."
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"Huh? Who?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:17 PM
"I- I don't know. Someone figured out our identities and is trying to get us both."
5:18 PM
"My guess is the White Suits. Lelouch and Jade know our secret, and they both were captured by them. Maybe it was extorted out of them."
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"Damn! We gotta stop em right now!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:24 PM
"Wait hang on."
5:25 PM
"Walking straight into an ambush is a bad idea."
5:26 PM
"We should prepare. Get like weapons for me and armor for you."
5:30 PM
"There's one other thing that Scott told me. Whoever these guys are, they're preparing a weapon to take us out. I'm not sure what it is, but the words he overheard were that it 'looks inconspicuous and innocuous, but actually holds a deadly nerve gas."
5:30 PM
"We should prepare some kind of face covering or gas mask"
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"Gas masks? But aren't those usually kept for villains?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:33 PM
"Don't you remember Masquerade V? Haruto's metaverse outfit has a gas mask"
5:36 PM
"Besides, it doesn't have to be one of those crazy evil looking gas masks. Just something that'll protect our faces"
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"Alright! To the mask store!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:37 PM
"Awesome, lets go."
5:38 PM
"Also, can we get breakfast? I rushed here so fast I didn't get a chance to eat."
5:38 PM
It also might be my only chance for a long time to eat anything other then cereal (edited)
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"Uh... I can't really afford it."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:41 PM
"I can, my parents gave me a credit card linked to their account."
5:41 PM
"I just wanted to eat something at like a diner. You can come since we're gonna be together."
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"Uh... Fine. Feels like the ambush is more important though. We're supposed to be heroes."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:46 PM
"Theyll be expecting us when we get there, right? So here's my idea. Theyre trying to catch us by suprise, but then we trick them and then catch THEM by suprise."
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"But what about the innocent people there right now?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/22/2023 5:50 PM
“If they started attacking innocent people, it wouldn’t really be much of an ambush, right? They’d just get the police’s attention.”
5:50 PM
“They’re there for us and us alone” (edited)
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"...I guess."
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((Saturday))
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"...I guess."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:20 PM
"We should prepare as much as humanly possible. That starts with getting food."
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"Why didn’t you just eat at your rich home, bro?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:26 PM
"I rushed here, I told you!"
2:27 PM
"I wanted to get to you before you got to the school, cuz you wouldve been ambushed there."
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"…Whatever, bro." He left the building.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:29 PM
Shawn follows
2:29 PM
Is kite heading towatds the school?
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He’s just waiting at the front of the building. "So, where to?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:31 PM
"Uhhh... I remember there was a diner around the corner when I walked here like a few days ago. Is that place any good?"
2:31 PM
His dad was working at a diner. Not that one. Well. God shawn was worried about his dad. What sick trick is Lelouch going to pull with him
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"How should I know?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:34 PM
"I dunno. I've only been in town for like a week I have no clue whats good here."
2:34 PM
It has been the longest week of Shawns life
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"…"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:40 PM
"Let's just go there."
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"Sure. Lead the way, or whatever."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:41 PM
Shawn does not follow he leads. For once. Wow that feels sorta awful
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Kite follows, looking bored.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:43 PM
Shawn and Kite sit down at a booth. Shawn picks french toast off the menu to tell the waiter
2:43 PM
"So, battle plans. What should we do?"
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"Attack."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:47 PM
"Okay well. Yeah, definetly. But like."
2:47 PM
"Kite you remember what happened with Carolyn's thing. We rushed in there without considering anything, and nearly got framed for a crime."
2:48 PM
"We need to be cautious. I don't think we're going to get lucky again."
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"I’m not the thinking type."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 2:58 PM
"Still, it won't hurt"
2:59 PM
"By the way, did you want anything? I'll pay for it, so you can get whatever."
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"…Pass."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:01 PM
"C'mon, let me do this for you. I owe it to you after breaking the "don't come to my house ever again" rule"
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"I’m not hungry."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:05 PM
"Alright, well... How about this for a plan. We'll go to some kind of like sports store or something and buy weapons and armor, and then we'll go to like... a mask store. I dont know what kind of store sells masks but we'll go there and we'll get masks
3:06 PM
"And then we'll head over? Sounds good, yeah?"
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"..." He doesn't answer.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:14 PM
Shawn looks a bit dejected, but doesnt say anything. When the waiter comes, he orders eggs. That should take less time then french toast, probably
3:14 PM
Shawn sorta sits in silence for a little bit
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"Don't you think this feels... Like a filler arc?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:19 PM
"What do you mean?"
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"It's like... Where are the big lifechanging developments? The character development? We're just spinning our wheels here. Where'd the drama go?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:25 PM
"I mean... I dunno."
3:25 PM
"We're real-life superheros. In stories, superheros are like... we only see the interesting parts of their adventures, right?"
3:26 PM
"But the other parts have to exist in-universe, yeah? Like... Batman couldn't be Batman if he didn't go through years of ninja training."
3:27 PM
"It would be nice to just... skip it over, I guess. But I dunno. Half the fun of MV is the daily life stuff, yknow? Like... Just sorta hanging around town, meeting new people, making preperations, honing your skills."
3:28 PM
"If it was just the JRPG stuff, it wouldn't really be any more special then your average RPG."
3:28 PM
"Aside from the art, I guess."
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"Can't we just... Skip past this stuff, though? Like that Adam Sandle movie."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:30 PM
"You mean like... Like Click?"
3:30 PM
"You know the whole point of that movie is about like the fact that he's doing that is bad right?"
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"I don't really think those movies have a point. It's about finding the hero funny."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 3:32 PM
"I mean, I guess. Still like..."
3:32 PM
"There's a bit where like he decides to skip until he gets his next promotion and he ends up missing his sons graduation or something."
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"I'm gonna live childfree anyway!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:20 PM
"I dunno, man"
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"What?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:25 PM
"I guess like... I'm thinking about this whole superhero thing. Like... We're heros of justice, yeah? We fight evil so that we can protect others. But... We don't care about the small moments of life. The unexiting parts. That's also why we became heros. And... through protecting others, we're mainly protecting them from having those big, exiting moments."
8:25 PM
"So... We're people who reject monotony, but we're also defenders of monotony?"
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"Huh? You're confusin' me." (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:28 PM
"I guess like... You became a superhero to get revenge, right?"
8:28 PM
"What if someone else wanted revenge on some other bad guy. Is it our job to stop the bad guy? I mean, we're superheros, right? That is our job."
8:29 PM
"In doing so, though, we prevent someone else from getting revenge" (edited)
8:29 PM
"So like... In becoming superheros, and doing things that superheros do, we deny others the chance to become superheros."
8:29 PM
"You get me?"
8:32 PM
"This doesn't really have much to do with the movie Click. It's more about like... I guess, the idea of monotony."
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"Well... Yeah? Plenty of people think being a hero's lame or dangerous or tragic... But it's the best thing that's ever happened to me, so I'm not about to give up and hand the job over to someone else. If someone else wants my job, they're gonna have to fight me for it." He smirked.
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:35 PM
"I'm with you there, I think. It's been long and hard and difficult and I've been running myself ragged but still, I'd say this is the best thing that's ever happened to me too. Despite the weight of it all."
8:37 PM
"It's those tense, exiting moments that make life most interesting. And as superheros, we have tons of that. Every day it's something new and crazy. But those new, daily things... Those things that make life the most interesting... Througth the nature of this job, we deny other people them."
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"Well, I don't even have a boring normal life to go back to. Other people are lucky enough to enjoy the every day life, why do I gotta act like I owe them this fun life? Not exactly a fair trade."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:40 PM
"Hmph, I guess so" I'm in the same boat, I guess. Now that Lelouch has dragged Mom and Dad into this, I doubt I'm going to get a chance at a normal life again
8:41 PM
That's... Weird to think about. Best not to dwell on it
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"Of course, you wouldn't understand. You've got the good life. Kinda Hippocratic of you to come at me for not having your precious fun life."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:44 PM
"I'm not coming at you, sorry if I came off that way."
8:45 PM
"And... I can't really say I enjoyed my every day life either. This is sorta a gift, I guess."
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"You don't like your life?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 8:48 PM
"I hate talking about my life. I always feel like I sound pretentious and annoying for not liking it. But I dunno, I should be honest, I guess. My parents are around, and I love them, but they've never really been there for me. They barely ever talk to me anymore. I never really got along with anyone at school super well either. I've been totally alone for a pretty long time" (edited)
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He grimaced uncomfortably. "At least you've still got a chance to talk to them. Don't go wastin' it and being all mopey 'cause your parents didn't just hand a good family relationship to you!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 9:00 PM
Come to think of it... The conversation that Lelouch and Jade forced me into with them this morning was the first time in a while that I've actually talked with them...
9:00 PM
"Yeah, I know. I try to reach out to them, but there's only so much I can do, I guess."
9:01 PM
"I don't have it as bad as you, I know that. But that doesn't change the fact that getting these superpowers was like... the best thing that's ever happened to me."
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"Coward. You're supposed to be a superhero and you won't even talk to your parents?"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 9:01 PM
"I tried!"
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"Not enough!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 9:02 PM
"I just... I just don't know how to get through to them, okay? Like... I dunno, they're brick walls. They don't respond to me, they don't care about me. No one cares about me!"
9:02 PM
"Before I got this suit, I barely even existed."
9:03 PM
"But... But that's changed. That's different now."
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"Because I gave it to you!" (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 9:06 PM
Shawn looks down and puts his hands to his head in a pose that looks like the phoenix breakdown pose from aa2-4 "I-I-I... I'm really, really thankful to you for it. Like... More then anything in the world."
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"Then appreciate your family! Don't go whining about how beat down you are over something so tiny!"
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 10:14 PM
"Kite... I..."
10:14 PM
"I don't know, man. I try. I really do."
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"…Tch." He crossed his arms. "It’s whatever."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 10:22 PM
"That doesnt matter. I have what I need now, anyway. I have these powers. I'm part of the Advent Guard." (edited)
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"You already started pretty lucky before then, though. Guess not losing someone you love makes it pretty easy to throw that kinda pain on someone else."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 10:31 PM
"I'm... I don't want to throw my pain at you, Kite."
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"That’s not what I meant."
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Shawn Duveldt 4/29/2023 10:32 PM
"What did you mean, then?" Shawn looks up
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He groans. "Forget about it. Just eat your damn food."
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((Saturday))
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((Saturday(Plus the makeup session tomorrow)))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 3:01 PM
"Oh... did you mean..."
3:02 PM
"I'm..."
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"I said forget about it! Can't you listen?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:08 PM
"Sorry, sorry... I'm sorry... sorry... sorry."
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He looks away.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:29 PM
"I..." (edited)
6:29 PM
Shawn goes back to holding his head
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"Aren’t you gonna eat your food?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:31 PM
"It arrived? S-sorry, i didn't..."
6:31 PM
Shawn eats his food
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It tastes normal. Kite doesn’t say anything more.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:37 PM
"I'm sorry..." Shawn mumbles
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He doesn’t respond.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:37 PM
Shawn eats quickly and pays
6:38 PM
"Let's go get those masks."
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He gets up and walks out the restaurant.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:39 PM
Shawn follows
6:40 PM
Shawn googles "Mask store" on his phone
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There is one in the area.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:42 PM
"Let's go here."
6:42 PM
Shawn leads the way to the mask store
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"Sure, bro." Kite tries to walk ahead of Shawn.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:43 PM
Shawn follow Kite but also doesnt because Kite doesn't know where he's going so Shawn leads
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They arrive at the mask store.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:45 PM
Shawn goes inside
6:45 PM
What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?
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The mask store sells masks.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:46 PM
What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?
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The mask store sells masks.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:46 PM
What kind of masks do they have at the mask store?
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Yes, they do sell gas masks.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 6:50 PM
but what OTHER kinds of masks do they sell
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:16 PM
Shawn looks around the store for gas masks, ones that would work properly. It would need to be something light and compact, something that they could hide in their shirts and easily take out before they are attacked by Lelouch and Jade. As he looked around, he saw all kinds of masks. Halloween masks straight out of Scooby-Doo, ski masks for the winter, even fake muscaches (it seems like this store mainly made facial coverings of all kinds. A weird selection) But what Shawn focused on was the masquerade masks. There were a lot of them, a whole shelf. Wildly different colors, with different trims and different shapes. Shawn was drawn to them because it was this type of mask that every protagonist of Masquerade V wore when they were in the meta-world. It’s something Shawn was always confused by about the game. The purpose of a masquerade is to conceal one's identity. A masquerade ball is an event where everyone dresses up but no one knows who the other is, everyone’s identity is a mystery. But within the context of Masquerade V, the characters gain their “mask” when they join the group, and they join the group when they’re able to fully affirm their identities. So, in the world of the game, losing your sense of identity through wearing a mask is synonymous with gaining a sense of identity. The former follows from the latter.
9:16 PM
This was probably an intentional choice by the creators. Something about “the masks we wear.” But it’s been something Shawn has been thinking about ever since he played this game. It’s a weird discrepancy he hasn’t been able to get out of his head. It’s been something on the back of his mind all throughout this past week. Because… Shawn sorta did go through the same circumstances they did. He reaffirmed his own identity, and he gained a mask and a chance to do superheroics. But… Well, Shawn would do anything to not go back to where he was before. But it’s not really like he feels like he’s a different person now. Beetle and Shawn are still the same guy, really. But… Shawn gripped onto the sides of the cabinet Being Beetle was acting like a completely different person, almost. Shawn’s life was practically being derailed. Shawn had barely gone to school in the past week, he’d missed all of his assignments, been beat up multiple times, fucking killed someone He deserved it, he was a criminal, he had it coming and now… and now his parents were getting involved in all of this. Lelouch has brought them in. So… His decision to affirm his identity as Beetle, to put on the mask… That is sorta what the people in Masquerade V did. So So why doesn’t he feel different? Why does he feel like Shawn, and not Beetle? Kite’s real name is Ray Elliot, but his superhero name is Kite. And that’s all Shawn ever called him. But Kite didn’t call him Beetle. He didn’t call himself Beetle. No one did, really, except Lelouch that one time. (Even Sentasaurus said the wrong name, but that was non-canon). Kite and Shawn were both part of the masquerade, but Kite could do the Masquerade V thing, he was capable of giving up his identity and affirming it at the exact same time. Shawn wasn’t. He ends up with the worst of both worlds. Maybe that’s why Kite is a better hero than him. I can’t believe I’m hurting him like this. I need to protect him
9:16 PM
Shawn pulls himself up. Well, if Kite’s the hero, Shawn needs to do everything he can to prevent Kite from coming to harm with this trap. Shawn purchases two small compact gas masks, and walks outside, where Kite was waiting for him (edited)
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The store workers stare at Shawn throughout the whole process.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:25 PM
"What?"
9:26 PM
"Agh, whatever"
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"Can we go now?" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:29 PM
"We got the masks... uhhh..."
9:29 PM
"We needed weapons, right?"
9:29 PM
"Or like... You need protection, and I need something to hit people with."
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"What? You're totally messing up our dynamic!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:33 PM
"We talked about this earlier I thought."
9:33 PM
"I know you're offense and I'm defense but... You know, 'the best defense is a good offense' and all. The reverse is probably true too."
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"I'm not gonna let you replace me, bro! We're Advent Guard together, you can't just pick up your own weapon and steal my spotlight!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:39 PM
"Cmon, man, I'm not trying to replace you. All I'm saying is that we should cover our weaknesses, yknow?"
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"We do cover our weaknesses, it's called teamwork! These weapons are an important metaphor!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:41 PM
This isnt working...
9:41 PM
"Hmmm...."
9:41 PM
"Well... Ok, new idea. You're offense, and I'm defense, but neither of us really have anything in the other area, right?"
9:42 PM
Shawn and Kite are walking down the street while theyre having this convo
9:42 PM
"My original idea was to compensate. I can get a baseball bat and you can get some body armor and we'll be set."
9:43 PM
"But thinking about it more... Well, if we move perfectly in sync, then we'll have the best offense and the best defense!"
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"Exactly! Now you're getting it!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:44 PM
"Hmmm..."
9:45 PM
"Well... Then I think we should work on getting more in sync then. Lets go like find a playground or something and practice ways to get perfectly on eachother's wavelength." (edited)
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"A training arc...? Seriously?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:55 PM
"No, I didn't mean training. I meant more like... Let's figure out some duo techniques that we can use on the battlefield, yknow?"
9:56 PM
"That kinda stuff sounds annoying to improvise" (edited)
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"Duo techniques... I hit the bad guy and you shield me."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:58 PM
"No, cmon. Be more creative."
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"I am being creative! This isn't art, it's war!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 9:58 PM
"Like... Okay. Think about this. When I wear my suit, I'm immune to all damage, right? The suit doesn't get damaged, and I feel no pain from it."
9:59 PM
"And when you hit stuff with your crowbar, it gets hit with like way way more force then it should be hitting with, right?"
9:59 PM
"So... What would happen if you hit me with the crowbar while I was wearing the suit?"
10:00 PM
"I'd probably start like bouncing around like a rubber ball. And since I'm in the suit, I'd feel no pain from it."
10:00 PM
"Do you think it's worth testing?"
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"Well... I'm stronger, so it'd probably swing right through you and kill you."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:01 PM
"It's a magic suit!"
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"And I'm stronger!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:03 PM
"Then magic??"
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"I've got magic too, remember!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:04 PM
"You don't think they're like... equal magic?"
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"Obviously not... I'm #1!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:06 PM
"I guess so...."
10:06 PM
"Still, I think we should figure something out. Like... Have you practice using me as a shield."
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"How'd we do that? You just have to stand in front of me."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:11 PM
"It's about like positioning and shit yknow." (edited)
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"I can't worry about positioning in the middle of a fight! I gotta focus on the fight!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:16 PM
"I guess so..."
10:16 PM
Has it been long enough that Shawn can, in good faith, take Kite to the school
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It has.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:17 PM
"Alright then. We can go. But remember, ambush."
10:17 PM
Shawn hands Kite a gas mask (edited)
10:18 PM
"Before you go in, put this on"
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"Yeah, yeah, I know! You’re not my mom, bro."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:18 PM
"Sorry, sorry."
10:18 PM
"Kite, uh..."
10:18 PM
"One last thing before we head over there."
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"…What?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:19 PM
"..."
10:19 PM
"Do you remember when that weird bandaged guy used his powers from Ehn to like contort a guy's body into shooting himself?"
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"…Yeah?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:22 PM
"I've been thinking about that for a while now. Other people have similar powers, and they have abilities to like... control bodies and shit."
10:22 PM
"It's tough for me to admit this, but that's my biggest fear in the world. Being a puppet in my own body. And now that we're fighting people who might be able to do stuff like that....."
10:23 PM
"I just... I just wanted you to know that no matter what happens, no matter anything I say or anything I do... My intrests are always solely in helping you and the Advent Guard."
10:23 PM
"That above all else."
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"Uh… Okay. Same here, bro. But I’m tough, so I’m not gonna anyone's puppet. I’d rather die than that."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:24 PM
You don't know the half of it
10:26 PM
"Good. Okay. We're the Advent Guard. We're fighting to be superheros, and we're fighting for justice. If either of us stops being that, just assume we're brainwashed. That sound good?"
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"I told you bro, I’m not gonna get brainwashed! I’ve got like strong willpower, it makes me immune. Why you gotta keep bringing this up?"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:29 PM
"No, I'm saying like. In general."
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"Let’s just go, bro!" He runs towards the school.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/10/2023 10:31 PM
Shawn follows
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((End session))
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((Next Sunday at the same time because Shoko somehow has every other day busy for the next 3 weeks))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/13/2023 10:54 PM
((Gotcha)) (edited)
10:54 PM
((I’ll plan around it)) (edited)
10:56 PM
((Hopefully we can get all the content out with shoko next week because the weekend two weeks after looks weird for me)) (edited)
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((Parentheses!!!!))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/14/2023 8:53 AM
((Wdym))
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Shawn and Kite arrived at school.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:16 PM
"Alright, Kite. Stay on guard. We don't know how theyre going to be attacking us."
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"Yeah, yeah, I know... Guard's literally in our name."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:24 PM
"Keep your mask on. Don't let anything near your face"
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"I get it! Stop bossing me around! I'm the boss!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:32 PM
"S-sorry."
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He scoffs and goes into the school.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:42 PM
Shawn follows Kite. Sometime offscreen he changed into his costume, and its currently under his clothes. Shawn made sure to keep a close eye out for Lelouch, but also for any other students. Anyone in the building could be targetting him
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Lelouch and Jade are inside.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-and-shawn
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((hi))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:57 PM
Shawn points at Lelouch and Jade "You're the ones who set up this ambush!"
2:57 PM
"Kite, they're the enemy!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:58 PM
"Hey! I thought you were collaborating with us!"
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"...Huh?" Kite. "Shawn, tell him you're lying." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:58 PM
"I would never! I..."
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Shawn has to say he's lying.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 2:59 PM
"After I got you cereal?" Lelouch is hurt, but she'd expect this from an ungrateful man.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 2:59 PM
((i typed that message before Jade says that give me a sec))
3:00 PM
Shawn turns to Kite "It wasn't the White Suits who ambushed us. It was Lelouch and Jade. They came to my house in the morning and threatened me into bringing you here. I lied to you, I'm sorry."
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"Ugh! Punch yourself! Really hard!" Jade. "Why'd you stop me from going to school, then? I could take her, no problem." Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:03 PM
Shawn punches himself in the stomach really hard. ((Shoko dont click this tag)) It does nothing because of the suit
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:03 PM
((I ALMOST DID THEN I READ THE BRACKETS 😭 TYTY))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:04 PM
"They made me wait on bringing you. It was part of the threatening."
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Shawn falls over from the impact.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:04 PM
Wtf
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:04 PM
((skill issue /J/J))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:04 PM
Shawn picks himself up
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:04 PM
"You'd struggle even getting close, don't lie!" Lelouch retorts to Kite.
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Kite swings the crowbar at Lelouch, but they're not close enough for it to hit. "Take the crowbar from him!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:07 PM
Shawn reaches out and grabs the crowbar for a second, pulling it, before letting go and then covering his ears
3:08 PM
"I'll be your shield, Kite, but I'm going to have to cover my ears again. You're the leader, take the fight from here."
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This does not happen. He is specifically instructed to take the crowbar.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:09 PM
This counts as taking the crowbar
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:09 PM
Lelouch just looks on with a pitiful expression on her face.
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Shawn Duveldt
This counts as taking the crowbar
No it does not.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:10 PM
Taking the crowbar just means possessing the crowbar and shawn possessed it for a second
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He did not possess it because Kite did not let him take it.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:11 PM
I dont agree
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I don't care.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:11 PM
"Kite, I need to borrow the crowbar for one second also. I'll give it back right after."
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"What? No way, bro!" Kite. "What the hell are you doing?" "Take it from him and give it to Ms Lelouch!" Jade. "Stop trying to outsmart our orders, you have to follow the spirit of the request not the words themselves!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:13 PM
Shawn doesnt hear this
3:14 PM
Hm... Well, she never said take the crowbar right now.
3:16 PM
"Kite, do you remember what we talked about earlier? I'm with you no matter what okay. Attack them!" (edited)
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"Stop ordering me around, bro!" Kite tries to shove him, but is the one to fall over on his back instead.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:17 PM
Lelouch fails to hide a small chuckle.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:19 PM
God, this fucking sucks. I hate this. I hate being so powerless. I hate this inability to actually progress. It's so simple. Why can't I say it. Why can't I just let Kite know what I'm trying to do. Please...
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"Get the crowbar." Jade says this to one of the other students walking around, and they immediately try to take Kite's crowbar from him while he down. "H-Hey! Let go!" Kite. "Lelouch is the enemy!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:20 PM
"Kite!"
3:20 PM
Shawn (still holding his ears) starts kicking people away, and using his body as a shield
3:20 PM
"Shit, we're outnumbered."
3:23 PM
God what the fuck do I do. If I tell Kite we need to leave ASAP then he's just going to double down attacking. Fuck. How do I... How do I keep him safe?
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"Unplug his ears." Jade says this to another student, who tries to do just that.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:25 PM
Shawn kicks them
3:25 PM
When I'm stuck like this... I follow what Kite does... But does he know the same stuff that I do?
3:26 PM
"Kite, I need your help. We have to figure out a plan right now."
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Shawn Duveldt
Shawn kicks them
((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:28 PM
((4))
3:28 PM
((God I get such shit rolls in the worst circumstances))
3:29 PM
"Kite please help me I need your help please please please"
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Shawn's ears are uncovered. "Never cover your ears again!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:31 PM
Lelouch just...watches on.
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"Follow the orders according to their spirit, not their exact wording. You have to support Lelouch as much as possible!" Jade. "Bro, what the hell is she talking about?" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:34 PM
"Kite... Please just... get out of here right now... Run as fast as you can. Please..."
3:34 PM
"I..."
3:34 PM
Shawn breaks down crying
3:34 PM
"Kite... Kite please..."
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"Stop ordering me around, bro! What the hell are you doing?" Kite. "What next, Ms Lelouch?" Jade turns to her.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:37 PM
"Kite... Listen to me... Please... This is the last thing I'll ever ask of you ever... I'll never order you ever again I promise. I'll be your sidekick forever... Just... Run. Get out of here. Please, man. Please. Please!"
3:40 PM
"I'm so sorry Kite. I wish I couldve done more. I don't want this ending. But... Please Kite. Just... Please do this... I really need you to."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:41 PM
"Well, we need to appropriately humiliate him, so...let's make him the laughingstock of the school! Have everyone laugh at him. That'll surely destroy him." She says, proudly.
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Kite finally takes his crowbar back. "Laugh at me? Are you joking?" "Okay, everyone gather around!" Jade calls out to the rest of the school. "You're going to laugh at him!" Students gather around and start pointing and laughing.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:44 PM
"Kite please get out. Kite you need to get out of here right now please" I'm going to kill myself (edited)
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"Hahahahaahaaahgahahaha!" People are laughing "Don't you see how much better Ms Lelouch is? Everyone is taking her side over yours!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:50 PM
This is it. This is the end. The worst ending possible. God I fucking suck. I couldve done so much better. I had the chance to kill her. I should have. and now... God. God this fucking sucks.
3:51 PM
Kite is going to die and it's going to be my fault.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:51 PM
"Rightfully so too." Lelouch smugly watches as Kite gets his just desserts. (edited)
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"...Is that it?" Kite shrugs. "I dunno... I kinda expected something more." "What? But- But you're supposed to want to be the hero. Aren't you supposed to want people to side with you?" Jade. "Nah." He grins. "To be honest, I couldn't care less what anyone in this school thinks of me. I'm a hero for myself and no one else, you got that? So go ahead and make me hated by everyone all you want. All the great heroes weren't understood in their time, anyway. Getting treated like dirt just makes me even more of an icon than anything else."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 3:56 PM
"Y-yeah!" Shawn tries to cheer but he's still sobbing
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 3:58 PM
"But- That's-" Lelouch's face turns a slight shade of red. This is not what she wanted. "Make them laugh harder! Make him really feel their hatred!"
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"Laugh harder! Throw all your rudest insults at him!" Jade. "Ha! Right now, you are as useful as a soup sandwich. Hahaha!" Random student. "Hahahahaaha! You remind me of a penny, twofaced and not much value. Hahahahahah!" Another random student. "Kill yourself." Another random student. Kite just laughs confidently.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:02 PM
((WE DID IT THE PENNY LINE HAPPENED))
4:02 PM
((ag is over we can wrap it up))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 4:28 PM
"That's it! Come on! Make him cry!" Lelouch spurs on the belittling comments.
4:28 PM
"Wipe that smug smile off his face!"
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"Is that really the best you can do?" Kite. "Come on, you’re embarrassing yourself." Jade sprays him despite the gas mask. "Cry!" "Nah, I’m good." Kite.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 4:36 PM
"Fine, if you won't cry through words..." Lelouch grumbles to herself. "I'll make you pay through pain!" She stomps her foot. "Make him cry, any way you can." There's a bitter sting to her words.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:37 PM
"Kite get away from them!"
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"If it’s a fight you want, come and take it!" Kite swings at the air threateningly. "Wait… Shawn. You laugh at him. Hit him with your cruelest and meanest insults! Make him realize how inferior he is to Ms Lelouch! Make him regret all he’s done to hurt her!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 4:40 PM
"Oh- OH! That's a really smart idea, Jade!" She gave the other a smile of endearment.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:42 PM
Shawn tries to get up but stumbles a bit. He looks over at Kite "Kite... You... You're brash, and impulsive. You never think before you do anything. You're so fast to judge without knowing the full of everything that's going on, and-and I wish you listened to me more!"
4:42 PM
He looks over at Jade "that's the best I got, sorry."
4:43 PM
He looks back at Kite "Sorry about that. I don't mean it"
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"But that’s what makes me me, y’know? What’s the fun in some boring follower?" Kite. "Do worse! Laugh at him! Tell him how much better Lelouch is! And tell him you do mean it, because you do!"" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:45 PM
He looks at Jade "Do you want me to lie?!"
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"Deep down, you know it’s the truth! Admit that you hate him! Make him cry!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:47 PM
Shawn just sorta looks confused
4:49 PM
Shawn looks over at Kite "I hate you very much Kite. You aren't the best friend I've ever had and I'd do nothing to protect you no matter what"
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"More!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 4:51 PM
Lelouch is enjoying this. Lovely entertainment fr.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:52 PM
"I-I hate you so much. I hate the way you talk to me and I hate the way you made me feel like an actual person. I was an absolute nobody before I met you and you got me out of that! I hate you for that! I hate how fun it is to talk to you and I hate how amazing it feels to do superheroics with you. I really hate you, Kite."
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"…What are you doing, bro?" Kite. "Tell him how much you love Ms Lelouch!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 4:56 PM
"Lelouch.. She's threatening me into doing everything she says. And I love her for that because she's so great and amazing and is trying to separate me from you." (edited)
4:57 PM
"Because I hate you"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 4:58 PM
"As you should."
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"Threatening you? Come on, bro. You’re supposed to be untouchable!" Kite. "That’s right, because he’s doing this voluntarily. Agree with me, Shawn." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:04 PM
"Yeah this is... This is voluntary. I'm doing this." (edited)
5:05 PM
"Listen, Kite. Remember what we talked about earlier."
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Kite's eyes start to water as he punches Shawn in the face, but it only hurts his hand. Jade quickly takes the crowbar from him and backs away.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:08 PM
"Don't be dense Kite listen to what I'm really trying to tell you. Please."
5:08 PM
"Kite, I-I don't want you to cry."
5:08 PM
"You gotta get out of here. Please."
5:09 PM
I'm going to kill myself
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"Stop ordering me around, bro! You're taking her side- I'm gonna kill her for real this time!" Kite tries to tackle Jade for the crowbar, but gets tripped by a student and falls onto the floor. "Hold him down." Jade orders a few students, who follow the command.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:10 PM
"Wait... Wait no... No... Wait please please don't"
5:11 PM
"Jade please. Please."
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"Please what? He deserves it." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:14 PM
"For what?"
5:14 PM
"What has he done. He's innocent."
5:15 PM
"I'm the criminal. I'm the bad one. Theres's blood on my hands."
5:16 PM
"Kite loves superheroics but... But he could never hurt anyone. He just... He just wants to feel good about himself. I've seen him in action, despite all that power he could never bring himself to kill a criminal."
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"I could! I could totally do it! Stop pretending you're better than me!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:17 PM
"Let him go. I'm the murderer. Kill me if you're going to kill anyone."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 5:18 PM
"We're not going to KILL him. We're just going to make him pay for embarrassing me." She explains, rather impatiently. "This is just a befitting punishment, can't you see that? You should agree with what we're doing here!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:20 PM
"Embarrassing you? That's what this is about? Do you mean the shit he was talking about just last week?"
5:20 PM
"I kicked you in the ribs yesterday. A lot of times!"
5:20 PM
"How did you guys even escape from the white suits anyway."
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"By making me see their light." This girl walks out in the hallway and points a gun at Kite.
5:22 PM
"Well, the gun's kind of excessive." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:54 PM
"Who are you?"
5:54 PM
"Are you with the white suits?"
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"Of course." The girl. "What now, Ms. Lelouch?" Jade. "Yeah, I'm really underwhelmed down here!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 5:58 PM
"Are you being ordered to be here too, lady?"
5:58 PM
Shawn to purple hair girl
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"I just love Lelouch so much... Don't you see how perfect she is?" The girl. "Perfectly evil! Ha!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:02 PM
"Why are you even here-whatever."
6:02 PM
"Listen, I stand by what I said. Kill me, not him."
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"The least you could do is not steal my hero's death! Stop trying to overshadow me!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:05 PM
"You don't deserve to die here, Kite! You're a better hero then I ever was!"
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"Gamers don't die, they respawn!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:05 PM
rwufisdkjnc fdxvhc rwfusjknavbsthljrdfv
6:06 PM
"This is serious, man!"
6:06 PM
"Kite I-I really care about you. I can't lose you. Not again."
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"I am serious!" Kite. Jade facepalms.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:07 PM
"You can't die here, Kite! You have to live!"
6:07 PM
"I'm the failure here. You're a real hero."
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"Shut up!" KIte groans. "Come on, Lelouch! Hit me with your best shot!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:09 PM
"No, cmon. Hit me! Not him!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 6:19 PM
"Oh, would both of you shut up?!"
6:20 PM
"You want my best shot, Kite? Fine. Jade," she turns her head to the other. "Get Shawn to punch Kite."
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"Punch Kite." Jade says this to Shawn. "Coward!" Kite. "She is not a coward." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:21 PM
Shawn hits kite in the shoulder
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 6:21 PM
"Punch him, hard. Knock his stupid teeth back into his mouth, maybe that'll put some sense into him."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:21 PM
Shawn punches Kite harder
6:22 PM
"You can't punch him yourself? You are a coward."
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"Ha! Scared you stupid girly punch couldn't hurt me!" Kite. "Don't call her as coward!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 6:23 PM
"I'd never want my hands anywhere near him."
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Jade holds the crowbar out towards Lelouch.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 6:28 PM
"...But," she continues, grabbing hold of the crowbar and walking towards Shawn. "There is one way to really embarrass him." She now stands at arm-length for Shawn. She turns to Jade. "I mean, what's more embarrassing than being beaten up by your former sidekick?" The rhetoric makes her smile as she hands Shawn the crowbar, hastily stepping back to the safety of Jade. "Shawn, hit Kite as hard as you can with the crowbar."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:28 PM
"I-"
6:28 PM
"Lelouch... That'd..."
6:28 PM
"You want me to kill him???"
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"Give the crowbar back to Ms Lelouch immediately after! Do not hit anyone else!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:29 PM
"I-I can't do that. I won't do that."
6:29 PM
"I-"
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"Ha! Can’t even kill me yourself? You’re such a coward! For a villain, you really are the weakest there is, huh? That’s fine, cuz I’m gonna kill you! With my own 2 hands, cause I’m a real man! And not some stupid cowardly girl!" Kite. Shawn can’t stop himself. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:35 PM
"You're the worst person on earth, Lelouch Maoziwam."
6:36 PM
Shawn edges closer. He raises the crowbar
6:36 PM
"Kite, why... Why didn't you listen to me. You could've..."
6:36 PM
Shawn is sobbing again
6:36 PM
"It didn't have to end this way!"
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"Stop whining!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:37 PM
"No... No, it's my fault. Not yours. That day. When we were trying to find the Edlightment killer. I ran away from you. And when I came back to find you, I got caught up in all this."
6:38 PM
"And... I..."
6:39 PM
"I'm sorry, man. I wish I could've done more. I-I love you. I should've told you sooner. It's real, actual love. Not whatever this Lelouch stuff is, it's... I love you, okay. and I wish it didn't end this way. I'm so sorry, Kite."
6:40 PM
Shawn prepares to hit Kite
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Kite doesn’t answer, he just looks away. Jade takes the crowbar from Shawn. "Stop."
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 6:41 PM
"Huh?"
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"A love story between boys just doesn’t sit right with me. Where are all the cute girls?" She raise the crowbar up in the air. "So I’m not going to give you this poetic ending nonsense. In the name of Ms Lelouch, I’m going to insert myself into this and prove to this horrible man that he’s not worth a thing." She turns to Lelouch. "Are you proud of me, Ms Lelouch?" (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 6:51 PM
Lelouch blinks. "Awe, of course I'm proud! I mean, I never really pay attention to the plotlines with the boys, they're always so boring...but a cute girl like you coming in and giving it a perfect ending is just what I wanna see!" Lelouch smiles gayly and homophobicly.
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Jade swings down, and strikes flesh. But it isn’t Kite's flesh. Kite swings one of the people holding him down into the path of the crowbar, and uses the freedom this gives him to grab the girl's hand and make her shoot Shawn. The bullet explodes on impact without harming Shawn, sending shrapnel in all directions. Kite rolls over with the remaining person on top of him as a shield from the metal. ((Lelouch, roll. I’m not done))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/21/2023 7:02 PM
(13)
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Shrapnel hits Lelouch in the leg, causing her to fall over. Shrapnel hits Jade in the chest. The girl dodges everything. Kite takes off his gas mask and smashes it onto the hand Jade is using to hold the crowbar. When she lets go in pain he grabs it and bolts straight out of the building. ((You said you were leaving now so end session))
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"Ow!" Jade clutches her chest. Eryn catches Lelouch.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 2:02 PM
"Kite!!!"
2:02 PM
Shawn looks at Jade and Lelouch for a second, and then starts running after Kite
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"Stop!" Jade yells.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 2:05 PM
Shawn stops
2:05 PM
Shoko dont click theseFuck. We're splitting up. I'm assuming they won't let me out of their hold anytime soon (edited)
2:06 PM
I hope he understood what I said.
2:07 PM
I'm about to lose myself and I'm terrified. I should've hit myself in the head when I had the crowbar.
2:07 PM
Because... This... This is going to be worse then dying
2:08 PM
I guess I deserve it though. For whatever good that's worth. I'm the worst
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/28/2023 2:40 PM
Insert peter griffin Lelouch pain sounds here. (edited)
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"Ms Lelouch... I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/28/2023 2:47 PM
"It's...okay..." Lelouch grumbles, gathering her thoughts. "Hh...are you alright, Jade?"
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"No... I got hit." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/28/2023 3:04 PM
Lelouch looks over. "AH! Uh- okay, we need to get you to the hospital!" Her tone quickly becomes rushed.
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"But what about you, Ms Lelouch?" Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/28/2023 3:06 PM
Lelouch attempts to make her way over to Jade, wincing through pain. "We can both get checked in!"
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"But what about... Kite? And Maria? Our whole plans..." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 5/28/2023 3:37 PM
"We can deal with them later, you're more important!"
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"Oh... Wait- Wait... I know! You can make Shawn deal with them! It'll fix everything!" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 3:39 PM
"I knew it..."
3:40 PM
"Do you really trust me enough for that, Jade. Even if I do end up doing what you say, I'm a failure. I havent succeeded in any of my plans to take you down, why would I succeed in taking them down."
3:40 PM
"Why Maria, anyway. Wasn't she with you guys?"
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"She got kidnapped by her father... We were going to make you save her..." Jade. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 3:43 PM
"Is this like an actual kidnapping, or is he just protecting her from you guys after you brainwashed her?"
3:44 PM
Shawn paused for a second
3:45 PM
"Is this like... Actual hero work?"
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"Don't you know...? The greatest people are always seen as villains in their time... Because they fought for what others couldn't accept, even when they were right. That's what Ms Lelouch is." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 3:50 PM
"Heros wouldnt use the sort of weapons you do."
3:50 PM
"That perfume thing is vile."
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"It's Ms Lelouch's perfect gift to the world! You have to agree!"
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 3:52 PM
"I- Augh, can you not give me orders while I'm trying to have a conversation with you."
3:53 PM
"You're shot. Let me help with that."
3:54 PM
Shawn has a very basic first aid kit in his bag. He pulls it out and gets some bandages to try to stop the bleeding, and bandage the area.
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It won't be enough for Jade. It may be enough for Lelouch, though.
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Shawn Duveldt 5/28/2023 3:58 PM
There were a bunch of other people in the room, right
3:58 PM
"Anyone else got hit?"
3:59 PM
I'm okay if I die... But I don't want others to die for my sake.
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Some people are hurt.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 12:46 PM
“Does anyone here who didn’t get hit have a car?”
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Some of them nod. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 12:49 PM
“Take the ones who did to the hospital. Including Jade”
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"I’m not leaving Ms Lelouch." Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 12:50 PM
“Then take Lelouch with you, I don’t care”
12:51 PM
God why am I doing this. I don’t know these people, I don’t like these people. Especially Jade and Lelouch. The most insufferably awful people ever. (edited)
12:54 PM
the alternative is worse, I guess. If I’m on their side, I don’t want them to die by my inaction
12:54 PM
Shawn looks conflicted
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 12:55 PM
Lelouch is visibly annoyed by the fact it's Shawn being the one to orchestrate others taking her to the others. Nothing against him, but it's the fact she's being saved by a man that's gotten under her skin. Of course, Eryn didn't get hurt..."No! No. Me and Jade will go with Eryn to the hospital. She can take us with her car."
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"Alright, I will." Eryn. ((Eryn is the girl with the gun to be clear))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 12:59 PM
Lelouch glares at Shawn. "The faster you take us to the hospital, the better." She makes no attempt to lower her voice. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 12:59 PM
((Kite left lol))
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((Kite is not here he ran))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 12:59 PM
((He did???))
12:59 PM
((Dam.))
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Ehn/PC
Shrapnel hits Lelouch in the leg, causing her to fall over. Shrapnel hits Jade in the chest. The girl dodges everything. Kite takes off his gas mask and smashes it onto the hand Jade is using to hold the crowbar. When she lets go in pain he grabs it and bolts straight out of the building. ((You said you were leaving now so end session))
((This is why you got shot and everything))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:00 PM
“Great. I’m glad we’re all in agreement to my plan.” (edited)
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"It’s not your plan… It’s Ms Lelouch’s." Jade. (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam
Lelouch glares at Shawn. "The faster you take us to the hospital, the better." She makes no attempt to lower her voice. (edited)
Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:01 PM
“Also I walked here sorry. Don’t have a car”
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"Then go save Maria like I told you and bring her back to us as fast as possible! At least do 1 thing right." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:04 PM
Lelouch is just angrily waiting to be taken to Eryn's car.
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Eryn helps Lelouch up and walks her outside.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:05 PM
“Hey wait one sec”
1:06 PM
“Can I ask one question before I go and do this?”
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Eryn stops to let Lelouch answer. "What is it?" Jade.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:07 PM
“If I’m going to be working with you… what’s the end goal here? What are you and Jade working towards?” (edited)
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Jade waits for Lelouch's answer.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:08 PM
"A better world, duh."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:09 PM
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
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"So called 'heroes' like you and that monster, Kite, can only fight to keep the world in the shallow and broken state it already is. Ms Lelouch... She wants to create a perfect world."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:13 PM
"Thank you, cutie." Lelouch demeanour quickly shifts from nice to standoffish. "And how much more obvious could I get with my answer? A perfect world where cute girls like Jade don't have to be subjected to the brutality of bastards like...Kite." The pause wasn't one where she though of an answer, but more so one of contempt, like saying his name would spark a bomb fuse inside Lelouch.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:18 PM
Shawn wants to adress the first point, but his attention shifts to the second. "Why do you guys hate Kite so much? Why did you want me to k-kill him?" Shawn's voice sorta breaks down near the second half
1:19 PM
"He's a really great guy when you get to know him."
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"All he's ever done is hurt Ms Lelouch and think he can get away with it! He's the worst of the worst!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:20 PM
Lelouch nods along.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:23 PM
"You guys have hurt plenty of other people the same way, including him. I assume its more then just a cycle of violence."
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"Ms Lelouch has never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it!"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:23 PM
"Same with us!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:26 PM
"So you're saying I deserved to get hurt?" Lelouch is clearly offended by the suggestion. "We shouldn't even bother to answer your questions if you're just going to insult us."
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"Apologize to her!"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:28 PM
"I-I'm sorry. What I'm trying to say is that the reason you deserved it is the same reason Kite deserved it. He hurt you, so you hurt him, and now he hurt you again. It's endless."
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"It has an end if he dies." (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:28 PM
"So is that just what all this is? We hit eachother over and over again until once of us dies?"
1:29 PM
"I just... I dunno, I assumed there was more to it then that."
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"Kite is just a small piece of the puzzle."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:31 PM
"Then... Then..."
1:31 PM
Shawn gets angier
1:32 PM
"Then why do all this? You're destroying our lives for something that doesn't matter?"
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"He deserves it!" Jade falls over, intensifying the bleeding.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:35 PM
"If he's such a small piece of the puzzle why go through all this effort? Why control all these people? Why make me have the worst day of my life and nearly k-kill him just to make him feel bad before he dies!"
1:36 PM
"You can call us whatever you want, but don't pretend you're better!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:36 PM
Lelouch hurries to Jade's side, attempting to help her up. "Oh, could you just shut UP?" She has a very exhasperated tone. "You're not helping yourself nor us, you're just postponing the treatment of me and Jade, AND yourself, AND everyone else." She grumbles. "Come on, Eryn. Help me."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:36 PM
Shawn shuts up
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Eryn helps Lelouch.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:40 PM
"Didn't even do your own goddamn job right. Haven't found Maria, failed to kill and humiliate Kite, and half the time you were making it more hard for yourself than us..." Her complaints are audible for Shawn. "If you're not gonna do your job right, at least be useful and take yourself out of the damn picture. It'd do us all a favour if you're just gonna stand their causing arguments and throwing insults rather than being helpful."
1:40 PM
Important note: She's not saying this to Shawn. It's about him, yes, but not directed at him. He can hear it, though.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:42 PM
"I'm sorry for the hold up, alright, I'm going to find Maria."
1:42 PM
"Go to the hospital"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:43 PM
Lelouch rolls her eyes, helping Jade to the exit.
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((Channel split))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
ehn-pc
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A young boy named Ray Elliot, also known by most as Kite, is sitting in his apartment. It's a filthy place, since he's lived alone in this place since he was a young child. But given the recent visits of his 'bro', it's comparatively cleaner than usual. He wears an eyepatch, which would typically signify something grave has happened in his life. If given the chance, he would maintain this illusion, however he the truth of the matter is he poked out his eye with a pencil as a young child. He's currently playing 'Masquerade V', a Japanese video game. This is the only new thing aside from food he's had since his parents died, as their inheritance has been rather measly and largely spent on staying in the Shelk Memorial High School. It's a very important game to him. Unfortunately, it's also a very bad game.
7:35 PM
What are you doing? This is not where these things are supposed to go.
7:38 PM
There's a knock at his door. Kite is not one to expect frequent house guests, however there is one person he isn't very surprised to hear from. "Bro...?" He pauses the game. There is no response from the person at the door.
7:40 PM
Kite sighs overdramatically, in the way you would expect an anime character to instead of a real person. He pauses the game he's built his life around and walks to the door. "I don't wanna talk right now, bro."
7:41 PM
The voice that responds... Is yours, FB.
7:41 PM
Ah.
7:42 PM
So this is another one of your taunts? It's certainly more inspired than the last, but it's still wholly undeserved.
7:42 PM
Do you expect me to play myself?
7:43 PM
"I am not your brother. In fact, I was not aware you even had one." FB speaks, but Kite does not recognize him.
7:45 PM
"Huh? No, it's like... A bond between men. Inseparable, y'know?" Kite gives his cliché answer before realizing that this stranger is, as described, a stranger. "Who are you? How'd you know about my family life?"
7:47 PM
"Ah, do you mean Sean then? I may not be him, but I come carrying a message in his place. May I come in?" FB speaks.
7:48 PM
As previously stated, Kite has no interest in talking to his bro right now, but for some reason unknown to him he still responds. "...Yeah, Shawn's my bro." Kite opens the door.
7:48 PM
Is carrying over my confusion truly necessary?
7:49 PM
Sean is the correct spelling. If you were told out loud that a man's name was Sean, you would spell it out as Sean. It does not make sense to assume otherwise. This is a perfectly reasonable assumption.
7:50 PM
Sean and Shawn are different people.
7:50 PM
I am aware of this.
7:50 PM
This detail is still pointless to include.
7:51 PM
Kite is met face to face with the incompetent and narcissistic yet incredibly foolish man known as FB.
7:51 PM
You have resulted to insults once again. I cannot have a reasonable discussion with you if you just behave like this.
7:52 PM
He looks like this, by the way.
7:52 PM
This is simply petty.
7:53 PM
FB enters the apartment, and makes no comment on the state of the place because he has terrible taste in homes.
7:55 PM
I was being polite. No reasonable person would come out with such an insult the second they entered. Must you take everything I do in the harshest light you can consider? I am not a villain.
7:56 PM
"So... What did he say?" Kite sits back down on his couch.
7:56 PM
"To make a long story short... It's over." FB simply explains.
7:57 PM
"What does that mean?" Kite looks away.
7:58 PM
"For a recent while, you have enjoyed the company of Sean. He no longer wishes to speak to you. He has instructed me to deliver this message." FB delivers this harsh news without care.
8:00 PM
"Huh? That's... What are you talking about? Shawn's my bro. We stick together to through everything all the way to the end! Even the... Bad parts." Kite looks away. "Don't think you're gonna trick me like this!"
8:00 PM
"This is not a trick. I would not lie to you like this. It would serve me no purpose." FB.
8:00 PM
"Yeah it would!" Kite.
8:00 PM
"Name one such purpose I would gain from lying to you." FB.
8:01 PM
"You'd gain tricking me." Kite smirks confidently at this meaningless defense.
8:02 PM
"That is not an argument." FB simply retorts.
8:03 PM
"Why would he... Even leave? We're bros to the end, like I said! I'm not gonna buy some nonsense excuse!" Kite.
8:03 PM
"Lelouch Maoziwam. He left you for her." FB adds this unnecessary detail.
8:05 PM
I found it necessary. I would continue to argue that it was. Laying out events as they happened with no stated argument is not an argument in and of itself. You need to use your own words to say something.
8:06 PM
"Lelouch...? That girl from school?" Kite barely knew Lelouch, but he had never particularly liked her.
8:12 PM
"It's my understanding that Sean helped you find meaning in life when you were left with nothing. Living for love is a rather trite ideal in my personal opinion, but it is over. He has chosen to give that love to Lelouch rather than you. I understand this may be a painful discovery, but your emotions will change nothing. It is best to simply accept things." FB.
8:12 PM
"Ha, don't think you can fool me! If you're so confident, where's your proof huh? I'm not gonna trust the word of mouth of some stranger!" Kite.
8:14 PM
"You don't have to. You will never see him again, regardless of if you choose to believe me. When you accept his message, everything will work out as intended. You can take as long as you want. It does not affect me." FB turned to leave.
8:16 PM
"How'd you know so much about me, huh? Are you spying on me or something!?" Kite raged, trying to overwhelm any part of him that could accept FB's words.
8:20 PM
"I'm a... friend of Sean's. Though it may perhaps seem out of character for me, I must confess he's someone who has my respect. And truly, he did deserve yours as well. He understood you on a level more personal than most people will reach in their entire lives. That was... Is one of his greatest skills." FB approached the door. "But life moves on, regardless of the people within it. If you struggle against the current aimlessly, you will not accomplish anything. Let it propel you in it's chosen direction... And perhaps you'll find true lasting meaning someday."
8:22 PM
"What if I don't want meaning, huh? What if I just wanna live a happy life!? Huh!? Why do I gotta have a rulebook for how I wanna live!?" Kite rose to his feet to look at FB.
8:24 PM
"Meaning is happiness. This may sound drastic to your childish sensibilities, however... People are like cogs. No one is truly satisfied until they reach the spot they were built to go into. You simply have to find it and then everything will work itself out." FB.
8:25 PM
Kite searched for words, but couldn't seem to find the right ones.
8:27 PM
"Have you ever played Masquerade IV?" FB turned back to look at Kite. "I'm not a fan of video games like you, but Sean was so I've learnt some pieces from him."
8:28 PM
"Uh... No. I didn't get to that one." Kite.
8:31 PM
"A shame. I thought a comparison to that game's themes might allow me to speak your language. In short, it's about realizing that what we truly want is also what has been given to us. That while we're taught to seek better things, we always start in our perfect positions already. Revolution is merely the means to return to what you already are. It's a powerful lesson for a fictional story." FB.
8:31 PM
"I don't give a shit." Kite.
8:32 PM
"Very well... Goodbye." FB walked to the door. (edited)
8:35 PM
"But if I'm already supposed to be who I am... Then what is that, huh? You're not exactly giving me advice you pretentious old man! Ha, I bet you can't even understand the genius themes of the Masquerade franchise. 'cause the Masquerade I know stands for a whole lot more than that! It's about doing what you can! Being who you wanna be! Fighting the fight that matters! That kinda depressing moral... It's just not what Masquerade stands for!" Kite starts crying. This makes him the second most embarrassing person in the room.
8:38 PM
FB started to leave, but suddenly stopped again. "...I had a child, once."
8:38 PM
I did not say this. Are you attempting to rewrite history?
8:38 PM
"I don't care!" Kite.
8:39 PM
As he says, this does not matter. I give him advice. I do not give him a personal story first. I would have had no reason to say this.
8:42 PM
"Like you, she was also lost. The cards she had been dealt served only to confuse her... She wandered around without purpose or understanding. The world she saw must have been nothing but confusion, a maze of epic proportions. She wandered that labyrinth with no guide... Until she killed herself." FB.
8:42 PM
I do not have a daughter. This did not happen.
8:44 PM
In a sense, I had a son. But he is still alive and appears far from suicidal. This fiction you're creating adds nothing and means nothing.
8:44 PM
"I still don't give a fuck! Get out of my apartment!" Kite yelled as loud as he could.
8:46 PM
"What I mean to say... Is that in her name, I shall give you some advice. I would not consider myself the altruistic type, so do not expect more from me. This is the last time we will ever speak." FB crouched down slightly to meet at Kite's eye level.
8:47 PM
There. We return to reality. You had no need to invent that piece of the conversation.
8:48 PM
Kite tries to stir up enough rage to kick him out, but given the increasing possibility that he will soon live in a world with nothing, the fight leaves him quickly. "What... Is it?"
8:50 PM
"There still exists a remnant of Sean in your life. The girl he left you for, Lelouch Maoziwam. If you are still so attached to him... Chase that. Fill the loveless void in your heart with that girl. It's all you have left." FB.
8:53 PM
"How am I supposed to love a girl like that, you moron? She's cruel, rich, lucky... Every part of her life's been handed to her on a silver platter while she sits back and thinks she's the coolest. My life's been nothing but a string of... A string of tragedy! Are you saying I gotta suck up to her to be happy? Become just another tool for the Maoziwam family? She took everything from me and she probably barely knows who I am! And now she's taken my bro too! And what... I'm just... I'm just supposed to act like she's my goddamn savior? You're nuts!" Kite.
8:58 PM
"I'm not telling you to love her. As you've said, you two seem almost built to rival each other. If you have no one to love... Why not live for hate? With your life, I doubt it would take much effort to conjure up. Live every day of your life as happy as you can... So that you may surpass the one who has ruined you. Revenge is in many cases pointless... But if it is your meaning in life... Denying it is tantamount to suicide." FB.
9:01 PM
Kite forced a confident rebellions grin, and stood up as straight as he could. His pitiful attempt to seem superior was largely pointless, but it was noticeable. Even FB, ever used to bootlicking, crouched lower to let him pretend.
9:02 PM
Do I truly have to explain how this description is in bad faith?
9:08 PM
"If that's the other way out... Why not take it, huh? I've got... Plenty of people waiting for me up there. Now you're telling me I have no one left down here. So I either live my life just to hate... Or I live it free. I'm not... I'm not seeing your argument to not take the latter! Heh... I bet there's way hotter girls than Lelouch up there in the sky. Maybe some that'll even put Masquerade's waifus to shame." Kite tries to hide his trembling with boastful words. "So come on... Tell me! What's so great about living? Why do I gotta do it!?"
9:08 PM
"Because it's what Sean would wa-" FB was interrupted.
9:09 PM
"I don't give a shit! You're saying he left me! Why does he get to decide what I do, huh? He's not my mom! He's not my dad! He's just some guy who used to be my bro!" Kite.
9:10 PM
Can I say this part?
9:10 PM
...
9:10 PM
I will take that as a yes.
9:14 PM
I, FB, looked around for what to do. In all honesty, I had very little idea what I was doing. It may be hard to tell, but I have never truly understood what methods of communication most deem acceptable. Very few people exist who can relate to my feelings or tolerate me for long. I'm not personally offended by this. I find it usual. I don't particularly enjoy talking to most people either. But still... I had to say something. I looked at the TV and saw that game. Despite the fact that this apartment was someone's home... It was the only thing I saw that felt truly lived in.
9:14 PM
"There are... A lot of video games in the world." That's what I said to him.
9:15 PM
He didn't understand what I meant. It was typical. I could see in his eyes that he searching for meaning in my words... But their precise nature was lost on him. So I continued.
9:21 PM
"You enjoy this game, don't you? Like many others, you're enamored by pressing buttons you're told have meaning. Perhaps... Life is like a video game. Trying hard to beat the stage... All while still collecting coins. But there are many games in this world. Many people build their own fantastic worlds to search for meaning they haven't found on their own. Sometimes, meaning they simply don't want to accept. While everyone's end goal may be to enjoy the life they've been made for, people still try to find as many meanings as they can. They live life searching and searching and searching... Do you know why?"
9:22 PM
He shook his head.
9:23 PM
"Because people are made to live. As long as you want to be happy... You will reach that happiness. It's all a matter of perspective and willingness."
9:23 PM
You can take the rest from here.
9:27 PM
"But... I don't really wanna be like most of those guys. So many stories just end in some messed up tragic ending... I wanna live like Joker. Someone who gets all these friends and girlfriends and amazing adventures... I wanna live a life like that! That's not... It's not possible if I just keep losing everything!" Kite.
9:30 PM
"As I said, it's all a matter of perspective. In a sense, you may already be like Joker in real life. He's the hero of the story, correct? Then consider Lelouch whoever his enemy is. It's not so different, is it?" FB.
9:30 PM
"It... Definitely is." Kite.
9:31 PM
"But it doesn't have to be. Not if you decide they're similar. It's all in your hands." FB walked away from the scene, and shut the door behind him.
9:32 PM
He walked away, thinking he had achieved something positive. When as usual, his cold and psychopathic behavior had just ruined another life. Sent him further down the spiral of agony that is his life.
9:33 PM
That remains to be seen.
9:33 PM
If you wish to insult me with what you consider a failure, you should at the very least make sure of the consequences.
9:35 PM
Regardless of what I did, his life would have gone the same way no matter what. He has not been provided with a choice meaningful enough to change where he will end up. No one has. All I have done is provided him with a more enjoyable perspective as he goes about his days.
9:36 PM
All of that and you didn't even care at all?
9:36 PM
You piece of shit.
9:37 PM
If I may ask, why did you let me tell that part? There was no benefit to you fulfilling my request. You obviously knew these events well enough on your own.
9:38 PM
I just wanted to see what you'd say.
9:39 PM
I see. All of this just to get a reaction out of me. What a giant waste of your time.
9:40 PM
What about your time? I at least wasted that.
9:40 PM
At my age, I have no particular care for time. I've done everything I was made to do. All I'm left with now is maintenance.
9:41 PM
My life can end whenever it so desires. It's of no particular concern to me.
9:43 PM
Don't worry, I'll make sure it lasts long enough for you to see the consequences of your insult of a life. Then, when you understand that it was all you, and you break down weeping... You can die and be condemned to an eternity of regret without the possibility of fixing anything.
9:44 PM
I suppose that too, remains to be seen.
9:44 PM
Fuck you.
9:44 PM
8: Abrupt Gearshift
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / sean-niebel
Avatar
Sean Niebel wakes up in a hospital. Doctors quickly explain to him that his legs are temporarily unusable, and he'll have to rely on a wheelchair for the foreseeable future.
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Sean Niebel 4/15/2023 2:11 PM
((define foreseeable. like a few days or a few months))
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((Unclear at the moment))
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Sean Niebel 4/15/2023 2:15 PM
((does he have to stay in the hospital for now or he can leave))
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((He can leave))
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Sean Niebel 4/15/2023 2:33 PM
Hm. This will be inconvenient. Not sure how much yet, haven't considered this outcome before. Regardless. What is Carl's situation? He can be relatively useful, so I'd rather keep watch over his situation.
Subject: Current situation Woke up in the hospital. How are you? Any more trouble with that criminal or similar? -S.Niebel
I send him this e-mail, and wait for the answer.
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small argument with my secretary. women amirite. i get why you pretend to be gay
Carl responds with this almost immediately.
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Sean Niebel 4/15/2023 2:36 PM
Good. I check the news and update my statistics.
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The Fungus, real name Grobber Brentwood, has been arrested. Ouroboros Stanley was attacked by gangsters but escaped unscathed. That's all.
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((Saturday))
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:03 PM
That reminds me. Yesterday was a mess, but that cat promised me information if I did "something interesting". I neither know nor care what its definition of 'interesting' is, but perhaps that might count. "Ehn?" Unlikely that it would answer, but since I still don't understand how it works, might as well try.
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No response.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:10 PM
Expected outcome. Hm. Right.
Subject: Maoziwam Heard anything from Maoziwam? You mentioned some issues last time. Anything about me, perhaps? -S.Niebel
I send the e-mail to Carl. Both Maoziwam and that criminal wanted me to stay away from Carl. Coincidence or conspiracy?
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Carl replies quickly.
im supposed to bring you to him when you can
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:13 PM
Reason?
I reply. The "-S.Niebel" signature is automatically appended, just like with all of my other e-mails.
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i dont now
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:16 PM
How long ago have you been told this?
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a few minutes
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:22 PM
Won't come to the office just for another worthless joke. Tell him to e-mail me if necessary.
2:23 PM
hes asking if that means you’re available right now
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:27 PM
Who sends two short e-mails in succession like this?
Depends on how much time it would take. But tell him to e-mail now regardless.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:30 PM
I wait for Maoziwam's e-mail, assuming it does actually happen soon.
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No email comes in.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:43 PM
I assume he chose not to. Regardless. What should my plan now be? I failed to eliminate Blythe once, and in this state that would be even harder to accomplish. For the other relevant persons, hm. Ouroboros.
Subject: What happened? [the body of the e-mail is a single link to the article about him being attacked] -S.Niebel
(edited)
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Before Ouroboros replies, there’s a knock at the door.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:45 PM
Anything in the room I could use as a weapon?
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((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:47 PM
((what i mean is this is done by looking around for a few seconds after hearing the knock, not like going around searching or something. is there really a randomness factor to it))
2:47 PM
((10))
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There’s not really anything useful.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:51 PM
I don't respond to the knock and silently sit and wait. If they enter, nothing I can do about it. If they decide to leave, I should be able to hear their footsteps.
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Shuichi Maoziwam enters. "Good morning, Mr Niebel."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:53 PM
((was there a reasonable time interval for this to happen or he somehow travelled here in like 3 minutes since carls last email from the opposite end of the city))
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((There was a kind of reasonable amount of time but he probably wasn’t literally in Carl’s office))
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 2:59 PM
"Mhm."
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"I hear you had quite a rough day yesterday." His tone is obviously mocking. There’s no pretense of kindness.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:01 PM
"Get to the point."
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"In a rush, are you? From what I hear you’ve had severely empty days."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:04 PM
"Busy enough not to travel across half of the city just to insult someone." (edited)
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"An insult? No… What I bring is opportunity. I’ve simply found that without proper showmanship people like us are cursed to fail. Like it or not, those blessed with riches all only possess the job of actors."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:08 PM
"To the point."
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"…Hm." He smiles. "You are relentlessly yourself, I can’t deny that much." He takes out some kind of contract. "You may recall that after firing you, I left you with nothing but ownership over King Burger."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:12 PM
"So?"
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"It seems Ouroboros Stanley took them from you for absolutely no benefit towards you. To put it simply, that wasn’t supposed to happen"
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:25 PM
"To put it simply, this does not seem to be something I care about."
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"You simply only grasp one small part of the picture but you lack the effort to assemble the puzzle before you."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:29 PM
"To the point."
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"I’ve returned it to you. King Burger. Your 1 asset in this game."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:36 PM
"Is that all?"
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"Do you really have so little passion in life?"
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:39 PM
"None of your business."
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"It’s entirely my business, I think you’ll find."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:43 PM
I do not even bother responding to this.
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"Is it your wish to die forgotten?"
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:47 PM
"King Burger will definitely make me more memorable than 10 years of being in charge of the entire Leading Image."
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"King Burger is just a step. It’s a glorified metaphor. But it’s an important step."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 3:51 PM
"I suggest you tell me the entire sequence of steps you've planned right away so I could tell you no and force you to leave."
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"All of this… It’s a mystery. But if you never bother to engage with it, you’ll simply die with no one to remember you. Is that truly a fate you’re satisfied with?"
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:02 PM
"Are you stupid enough to actually think these unsubstantiated claims of it maybe being somehow helpful in some way you can't explain will make me accept a position that I have already said I have no interest in or this is some elaborate ploy to make me waste time?"
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"This is an ultimatum. 2 options stand before you. A meaningful life… Or a meaningless one. You cannot achieve the former on your own."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:09 PM
So he does not have anything to add. "You can leave now." I am not going to play into whatever he is trying to do just because he is aware of one thing I care about.
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"I can’t deny I’m disappointed. But I suppose you still have time to come to your senses. Unless you’d prefer to suffer the same fate as Ouroboros Stanley."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:19 PM
Hm? Confessing to a failed crime and using a crime he had no connection to are equally pathetic threats (and thus, equally likely to come from him). I'll pretend I don't know what this meant. "What does this even mean? He abandoned King Burger voluntarily." (edited)
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"I’m referring to the future. Keep your eye on the news. As you always have, haven’t you?"
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:30 PM
"Goodbye then. I hope you find something more meaningful to do in life than arguing with me before you suffer the same fate as your butler."
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He laughs cruelly. "You cannot weaponize information you do not understand."
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:33 PM
"Neither can you."
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"Of course. That’s why I’ve made sure to understand everything." He walks out of the door. "But unlike you, I can still 'stand' to make a few mistakes without costing myself any tangible issue. Enjoy your new establishment, and goodbye for now." He leaves.
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Sean Niebel 4/22/2023 4:42 PM
((probably leaving for today))
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((Saturday))
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((Saturday))
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 12:49 PM
I wonder if he really knows anything. Though, it wouldn't change anything about my reaction. It still stands that he simply wants me under his control using King Burger. Even if I found out he was the mastermind behind everything that's happened in this city last week, what could I do? Kill him? That would make one notable event less, but wouldn't actually help me. I'd still be just as unremarkable. Why? Why is it that no matter what I do, even with a supernatural ability, I can't ever affect anything? It's disgusting. How am I worse than anyone else? Disgusting. Simply disgusting.
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Sean's phone rings.
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:03 PM
If it was Carl, he'd just send an e-mail, so it's probably something not worth my attention. Despite that, I still check who is calling me.
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It’s Carl.
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:06 PM
I answer.
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"Hey, boss… Can you pass the phone to my secretary?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:11 PM
"What?"
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"My secretary." He repeats. "Is she not at some kind of wheelchair meetup?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:13 PM
"Even if she is, I am not there."
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"H-Huh? I thought the doctor said you were?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:15 PM
"Regardless, I'm not with your secretary. Never even met her, in fact."
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"But… You’re both in wheelchairs."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:18 PM
"Are you suggesting that getting shot yesterday made me know everyone who uses a wheelchair?"
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He paused awkwardly for a moment. "…Is that a trick question?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:23 PM
"I advise you to stop trying to talk about wheelchairs."
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"But uh… She didn’t show up for work today."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:24 PM
"Can't help you with that."
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"Are you… Sure? Wait- Is this a test? Do I have to use my persistence? I’m… I can do that!"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:31 PM
"Not a test."
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"Are you sure?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:31 PM
"Yes."
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"…Is this the test?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:33 PM
"No. Anything else or I'm hanging up?"
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"I’m just… I’m just saying- I’m good at winning tests. I got that therapist to play therapist and my sanity passed off so well she ran off. I’m a winner, y’know? You understand. We winners, we uh… We get each other. Yeah. Yeah. …Yeah."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:38 PM
"Why did you visit a therapist, again?"
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"To uh… To show how sane I am, y’know? And stable. And uh… And cool. All those positive adjectives. I’m like an immovable force of being the best."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:42 PM
Right. If I can't get rid of her I need to at least make her as irrelevant as I can. "Don't contact her anymore. Heard some bad things."
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"I uh… I wasn’t going to. That’s why I used my secretary instead. I mean- Not that I’d ever want to talk to her anyway, am I right boss? Hahaha…"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:45 PM
"I am serious. Don't contact her, and if possible, don't let anyone else either."
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"Oh, uh… Okay. I’ll let the boss know. The other one."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:46 PM
"Don't."
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"Huh?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:49 PM
"Maoziwam'd rather do the exact opposite just to spite you."
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"Nah… He- He wouldn’t. He loves me. I’m really good at sucking up. Professional skill, really."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 1:53 PM
"Up to you, then. If you really believe you can convince him." (edited)
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"Uh…"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 2:02 PM
"And if anything strange happens, don't act before contacting me. I can tell you what to do." If Carl doesn't respond with anything I'd need to answer to, I hang up after saying this.
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"How does it feel… Being alone? Hypothetically?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 2:06 PM
"It just doesn't. It's not a feeling, it's a lack of it. What, marriage issues?"
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"Ah- Uh- It's- I'm- Just hypotheticals. So it's... It's supposed to be fine?"
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 2:13 PM
"You get used to it. Not much I can say here, I haven't been close to anyone for quite a while."
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"You’re not, uh… You’re not close to me? I thought we uh… We had a bond. Respect and all that shit. Yeah."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 2:16 PM
"Outside of that, I mean. You didn't count me for your question either."
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"Right, yeah, right, yeah, right, yeah…"
2:19 PM
"A man’s not a man without his woman, y’know how it goes."
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Sean Niebel 5/1/2023 2:25 PM
"Perhaps. But there are some people you are better off without."
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"There are?"
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"There are?"
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:11 PM
"Have you never felt like some people are dragging you down? Useless people, people you can't get anything from. Relationships you have to keep purely out of politeness, or just because you are too used to them being there. Surely you understand. And they keep interfering and demanding your time, despite having nothing to contribute. In my family,..never mind. The point is, these people exist, like parasites, and keep getting in your way, and if you ever succeed despite all that, they'll try using these 'bonds' as an excuse to drag you back to their level, trying to make you feel guilty for leaving them behind. I cut them out of my life, all of them! Even Yale... I thought he would be different, but I was mistaken! He was the same as everyone else! And- ...Never mind. Shouldn't have said that."
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"Haha… What? I think… Uh… I think there must’ve been some interference in the call. It sounded- It sounded- Like nothing! Haha… Yeah! Yeah- Yeah… Yeah. Yeah." He pauses uncomfortably. "Yeah."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:21 PM
I shouldn't have said that. Lately when I have anything worth talking about I've been ending up saying more than I should have. I really need to be more careful with that, especially if I want to keep Carl under control. "Anything else you wanted to ask?"
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"I think… Uh… I think… The moral here is that we don’t drag each other down! Haha… Yeah! You wouldn’t uh- You wouldn’t cut me out right? Haha… Right, boss?"
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:30 PM
"Of course. I've told you that if anything happens, you can contact me, right? And we've already established we consider ourselves close to each other. You don't need to worry about that."
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"Wasn’t… Wasn’t Yale-?" He hangs up independently.
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:35 PM
Really shouldn't have said that. Do I call him back? Hm. ((timeskip 15 minutes.if nothing happens in that period im sending another message))
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Nothing happens.
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:36 PM
I call Carl back.
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He picks up. "Hello…?"
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 2:47 PM
"About Yale. It's...complicated. Not long before his death, we...argued about a similar topic, so now I remembered that, and... Said what I said. I didn't mean it. For me, his death... You know. That's why."
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"Haha… Haha… Yeah! Exactly- That’s… Yeah! I just… I’m just really busy, boss. It’s… I had to go, that’s all. Obviously, I don’t… I don’t- I’d have to be insane to trust the rumours."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 3:12 PM
"Carl! You know I didn't do it, right?! This is a serious issue. By suspecting me, by doubting our relationship, you are insulting him too, you are insulting the last moments of Yale's life! I don't care if it's only me, but don't you dare defile Yale's memory! You wouldn't do this to your brother, right?! If it wasn't for Yale, the two of us might not have even been talking right now! Do you want me to prove my innocence to you? Gladly! Just tell me how, and I'll do it!"
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"…You know, I’m… I’m usually the one calling you to beg for things."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 3:27 PM
"Yes. And I'd never call you for anything insignificant. But this time I am. Because this is really important for me. I always listen to you, so can you do what I tell you at least once? That's all I ask. Just to trust me."
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"Y-Yeah… Obviously. I trust you, boss. Always."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 3:33 PM
"I hope so. Regardless, I will still be on your side." If Carl doesn't start saying anything else, I hang up.
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"Oh, and uh… I found something weird."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 3:37 PM
"Hm?"
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"You know that therapist? Apparently she’s connected to the boss. The- The new one, Maoziwam."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 3:39 PM
"How?"
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"Well, when I told him not to go visit her, he reacted weirdly, so I looked it up… And apparently Maoziwam had this butler, right? He died in her apartment a few days ago. The comments are saying she’s guilty."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 4:27 PM
"Where did you find this? Wasn't on any news I've read." (edited)
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"I just looked up their names together."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 4:37 PM
I've overlooked it? Well, the data I've been gathering has usually been more about the general trends than specific details. "I see."
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"Oh, also- I was still curious so I looked in the boss's private files, cause we're merged now and stuff. Apparently there's some company named Blythe Pharmaceuticals he owns."
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 4:56 PM
"Anything else? BlyPhar's former president was a murderer, anything about that?"
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"Uh… Not that I saw?"
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 4:58 PM
"I see."
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"Did I do good, boss?"
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Sean Niebel 5/6/2023 5:01 PM
"This was new info to me, so yes."
5:01 PM
"Hm... Thank you." (edited)
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"Yale, he… You said you didn’t like what he said. So… Why’d you uh… Put on that whole fake gay thing? Why bother staying around him in the first place?"
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((Saturday))
6:55 PM
((Do you think you could maybe also do a makeup session to finish this scene))
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:15 PM
"He seemed interesting, I suppose. I usually grasp a person's personality very quickly. Didn't work on him. So I tried to get closer to understand. Then, emotions. Ones I wasn't used to."
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"Emotions?"
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:17 PM
"You know."
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"Uh… No?"
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:23 PM
"He was a person with an unusual perspective on certain things. Interested in my thoughts, too. I liked that."
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"Ah… So just intellectual attraction."
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:29 PM
"Hm... That is a possible interpretation."
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"Wow, you’re such a mystery, haha…"
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:36 PM
"Right. Meant to say yes. Sorry for unclear phrasing."
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"No… No problem."
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:42 PM
"Anything else? I'd rather avoid talking about him."
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"No, uh… That’s all."
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Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:46 PM
"Mhm." I pause for a few seconds. Was there anything else I wanted to say before it all got derailed? Can't remember. Guess not. I hang up. (edited)
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He doesn’t say anything.
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Ehn/PC
((Do you think you could maybe also do a makeup session to finish this scene))
Sean Niebel 5/12/2023 2:47 PM
((session end? or what did you mean by a scene))
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((Yeah sorry he’s session))
2:48 PM
((End session))
2:48 PM
((I hate autocorrect))
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 4:12 PM
I look into things Carl mentioned earlier. I search online about Maoziwam, his butler, and both Blythes. I also try entering two of their names at the same time, and look into their possible criminal connections with searches such as "[name of one of these four] accused/suspected".
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((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 4:22 PM
(13)
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It’s just rumours from not particularly credible news sources. They do match what Carl said though.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 4:51 PM
Hm. Regardless, I'll have to do something about Maoziwam eventually. At the moment, I have neither strength nor information for that. I spend some time searching more information on Maoziwam. No specific focus in the search this time, potentially including even something from years ago, or even rumours. ((i do not have any actual ideas for what to do next, if nothing is found in the search you can just make the next event happen immediately))
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The death of Carmen and Josh Maoziwam comes up.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:01 PM
I recall hearing about this. Just an average accident, nothing significant. Talked about as long as any other accident, in the same way as any other accident. Some mourning, some celebrating, a few claiming it must be a conspiracy. Nothing special. Or did anything new come up?
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Nothing new. Sean’s phone rings.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:08 PM
Is it Carl again?
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It’s an unfamiliar number.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:10 PM
I answer.
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"Uh… Hello, hello… Are you Sean Niebel?" It’s not a voice he recognizes.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:12 PM
"Who is asking?" (edited)
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"I’m the manager of the new King Burger reopening. Apparently you’re in charge now?"
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:17 PM
"I recommend you shut it down again."
5:18 PM
I hang up.
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The same number calls again.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:20 PM
I answer. "Who gave you this number?"
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"It was in this letter we got from Mr. Stanley."
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:21 PM
"What else did it say?"
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"Just something about transferring the company to you."
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:30 PM
"Where is he now?" (edited)
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"Oh, I dunno... It's just a letter."
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:39 PM
"Get him to call me."
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"He's not... He's not here. It's just a letter."
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:41 PM
"Contact him."
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"Like... Call him?"
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:43 PM
"That works."
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They hang up.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:50 PM
Is there anything I'm missing about King Burger? Why would Maoziwam be so insistent on reopening it? I try to search for any information related to it online.
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((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:52 PM
((2))
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Nothing of note.
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Sean Niebel 5/13/2023 5:57 PM
((i saw a new channel appear for a split second just now))
5:58 PM
Subject: King Burger Why is Maoziwam so insistent on reopening it? Do you know? -S.Niebel
I send this e-mail to Carl.
(edited)
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((End session because Carl is behind))
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((No session this week unless I can get a makeup session to work out))
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((Same as above))
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((Saturday))
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"Wow, still here, huh?" Ehn walks into the room.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:05 PM
"Information on Ariel?"
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"Information on who now?" She jumps up onto the hospital bed.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:11 PM
Ignoring agreements, then. Not that I can force it to follow it. "What do you want?"
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"To get you moving again, obviously. At this rate, you’ll reach the end without having prepared in the slightest. Don’t you want to prove yourself?"
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:34 PM
Of course I do. If only there was a way to do that. If I had an idea, I would've used it ages ago, even before it all started. Over these years I've considered every possibility, and there weren't any worth trying. And nothing changed since then. So what if I can open any door? There aren't any worth opening. So what if there are others with these powers, if I can't even find them, and when I can, I can't affect anything they do? I just keep amassing information, same as before. Nothing changed. I still don't have anything of enough value. I don't care explaining any of it to the dog, however. "So?"
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"Well, first of all… The wheelchair is annoying. Thankfully, I know just the girl who can get you out of there."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:39 PM
"Craig, yes. And how do you imagine I convince her to do that?"
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"What? No, not Dana. Ariel. She’s alone at the police station right now."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:41 PM
Police? "Why?"
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"Some scheme with Dana, it doesn’t really matter. A massive waste of time all around, really. Who would ever want to dedicate so much time to Ariel May? She barely did anything the whole time. She’ll get out by tomorrow."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 2:57 PM
"How do you suggest I meet with her?" She wasn't interested in talking to me before, so I wouldn't be able to just ask for a meeting, and getting past the officers to the place where she is detained isn't plausible in this state.
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"Hey, I’m not supposed to think everything for you. You have your own functioning brain, don’t you? I’m not recreating the same tired dynamic with you."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:00 PM
"You have no ideas, then."
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"I reserve my ideas for when I want to really get back at someone. And as much as I hate Shuichi Maoziwam, you haven’t exactly been helpful. Ever."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:11 PM
"Perhaps if you mentioned that goal at least once, I might have considered helping you with it."
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"Oh, you’ll help me. Don’t worry. The specifics are a lot better if you don’t see them coming though."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:19 PM
"You have no ideas, made up the excuse about Maoziwam and have nothing more to say. Correct?"
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"I have plenty to say. I just want you to earn it. Oh, wait- I promised you I’d tell you what Ariel's object was too didn’t I?"
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:22 PM
"Mhm."
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"It’s a paintbrush that can fix anything, including wounds."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:26 PM
"Anything else?"
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"Don’t think so."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:34 PM
I look up how far the police station is from the hosptial. ((i am assuming that sean knows which hospital he is in and ehn mentioned which specific police station shes referring to at some unstated point))
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The distance isn’t too far.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:46 PM
I... Hm. What is the correct verb for moving in a wheelchair? I look it up online, but the answer I find is inconvenient to use, so I decide to keep using the words I'm used to, even if they are technically incorrect. Irregardless, I order a taxi and travel to the police station.
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Ehn follows the whole time. Sean arrives at the police station.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:54 PM
"Is May detained here?"
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"Which May?" Random officer.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 3:55 PM
"Ariel."
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"Yes, she’s here."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:00 PM
"Let me talk to her."
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"Why?" Random officer.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:02 PM
"Irrelevant."
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"I can’t just let you talk to her without a reason."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:03 PM
"She will understand."
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Ehn suddenly walks away. "Why would she?" The officer.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:13 PM
"Personal reasons. Just let me. It's urgent."
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"I can’t just let you in." The officer. Ehn returns carrying a police badge in her mouth, before dropping it in front of Sean. "You’re welcome."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:34 PM
"Then," I reach into my pocket and 'accidentally' drop the wallet and the keys I kept there on the ground next to the badge, then say something vaguely resembling 'Sorry', and pick it all from the ground together. I show the officer the badge. "Wanted to avoid this. Satisfied?"
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"Oh, alright then. She’s over there." The officer points to an interrogation room. "I should warn you though. She’s one of those (transphobic slur). Pretending to be a man right now."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:39 PM
I go into the room.
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Ehn follows. Ariel is seated at the interrogation table. She’s wearing masculine clothing. "Oh, hello." "Ugh." Ehn.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:43 PM
"I need your paintbrush."
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"My paintbrush?" Ariel. "He's in a wheelchair. Now's not the time for your indecision." Ehn.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:53 PM
"I know about your role in this and need your paintbrush to avoid death. This injury had unfortunate complications."
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"...Are you sure?" Ariel. "Oh my god, you are the worst... Why are you acting like this now?" Ehn.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 4:56 PM
"I am. Wouldn't have risked coming here otherwise."
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"Well, alright then." Ariel takes out a paintbrush and uses it on Sean's legs. He's fully healed now. Ehn is bashing her head into the ground. This does nothing.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:00 PM
I grab the paintbrush.
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She tries to hold onto it. ((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:02 PM
((10))
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She keeps hold of it and moves away from him.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:08 PM
"Give it to me. You hesitated to use it even in a life or death situation, you don't deserve it." I move to Ariel in the wheelchair.
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She runs out of the room.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:10 PM
I follow in the wheelchair.
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The police stop Ariel as she tries to run. She's quickly handcuffed.
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:18 PM
"Give me my brush back."
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"But it isn't yours!" Ariel. An officer grabs the brush from her hands and gives it to Sean. "Ah, you have no idea how satisfying this feels." Ehn. "Here's to a new era of Ariel May torture porn."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:43 PM
I take the brush and leave the police station, still on a wheelchair for now. "I agree with you here. I hate people like this. Who don't do anything and don't want others to either. Worthless existences without goals - didn't even try to ask for anything in return to helping me, agreed after the slightest pressure. Oh, to be clear, most people are content with serving their small role in the world, and that's fine. That is necessary for any society to work. But people who contribute nothing and drag others down with them, they are disgusting." I almost provide an example from my personal past, but decide against it. "Fixing any wound. And not only wounds, correct? Anything. And not a single time has this person used it on anything worthwhile."
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"Well, I needed her to heal Dana when she got herself shot. I didn’t know she’d be so boring back then."
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 5:54 PM
((what time is it in universe))
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((About 2PM))
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 6:02 PM
"Hm. How did you bring me the badge? You couldn't touch any objects before."
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"Whoops, you noticed?"
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Sean Niebel 6/2/2023 6:04 PM
"What else can you do?"
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"That's a secret!"
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"That's a secret!"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 2:02 PM
"Is there a way to contact you? A phone number or anything similar?" (edited)
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"How would I even use a phone? I don’t have opposable thumbs."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 2:05 PM
"Same way you do everything else. Still haven't heard an explanation for how you function."
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"You’re not getting one, either." Ehn. Sean gets a notification.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 2:06 PM
I check the notification.
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It’s a response from Carl.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 2:07 PM
I read it.
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‘something about restarting from scratch. what do you do when someone threatens to kill herself and also calls you gay but wont work'
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 2:29 PM
I consider writing a detailed response, but decide against it, and write simply:
Subject: Re: (no subject) Fire her.
This feels insufficient, so I expand the message slightly.
At least, threaten to.
Wait, what exactly is happening there? I hope he isn't hiding anything major here.
Did something happen? -S. Niebel
I send all of this as a single e-mail.
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He responds 'ok'.
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'why' Carl sends another message.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:00 PM
Of course. If there was something, I would've known before. I leave Carl's message without an answer. Regardless, now that moving is no longer an issue, I could attempt to attack Blythe again. I no longer have that butler's gun, but I could take the one I have at home. With the keys and the brush, the chances of anything going wrong are insignificant. Ah, The thought of going back there is unpleasant, and the entire idea feels less important than before. This is merely self-deception, however. Natural reaction to negative experiences. And, as a creature driven by logic, not emotion, I ignore that. I move a decent distance away from the police station, leave the wheelchair, walk away some more, as not to leave it right at the scene of the crime, get into some car using my keys, and drive in it home.
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At some point while Sean isn’t looking, Ehn leaves. He arrives at home without issue.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:15 PM
I take the gun, as planned. Carrying a single paintbrush might be suspicious, if other object users were to notice that. I tend to carry only the most important things on me, after all. I take a small shoulder bag, and put inside the brush, as well as a number of other meaningless objects: an envelope, a fork, an AAA battery, a roll of duct tape, and a pencil. With the bag and the gun, I get back into the car and drive to her office.
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Sean's phone rings.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:19 PM
((when does it ring. how much of this sequence of events has been completed.))
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((I don’t mind which))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:24 PM
I park near the building Blythe's office is in, but before I can consider further course of action, my phone rings. Who is it? (edited)
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It’s not a number he’s seen before.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:24 PM
I answer.
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It’s Shawn Duveldt.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:25 PM
((the long awaited interaction (for specators: #sean-and-shawn starts here).)) (edited)
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-maoziwam
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Eryn helps them towards her car.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:45 PM
"Sorry you had to hear me yell like that, cutie. I just didn't like how he kept on going without any remorse for you." She plants a soft kiss on Jade's cheek.
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"It's alright, Ms Lelouch... There's nothing you could do I wouldn't love." Jade. Eryn gets in the driver's seat.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:47 PM
Lelouch gets besides Jade in the back of the car. "How're you holding up?" She asks, her tone more caring than when she was in the building.
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"It... Hurts. We're going to make him pay, right?" Jade. Eryn starts driving to the hospital.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:52 PM
"Of course we'll make him pay. He hurt you, both of them did." She places an arm around Jade and hugs her.
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Jade hugs her back.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 1:57 PM
"What cereal would you like, when we get home?"
1:57 PM
"Flavoured, sugared? Colourful, plain? Flakes? Shapes?"
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"I'll take whatever you want, Ms. Lelouch..." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:00 PM
"...I just want you to be okay."
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"As long as I have you, I'll always be okay." Jade. (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:05 PM
Lelouch just looks at Jade, then at the wound inflicted upon her. A nasty sting strikes Lelouch. "Eryn, how far away are we?" She asks, before looking at her own leg. Despite the confident expression on her face, a million thoughts run through her head. She needs to be strong. She can't let Jade see her fear.
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"We're here." Eryn stopped at the hospital.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:11 PM
"Alright, help me get Jade out." Lelouch got out of the car and hurried to Jade's side, attempting to hide her limp.
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Eryn helped bring Jade into the hospital.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:21 PM
hey! sorry, sister wanted me for something)
2:23 PM
Lelouch approaches the desk, her attempts to hide her limp failing. "Hi! Can me and my lovely girlfriend Jade Lamperouge see someone to treat this," she gestured to Jade's wound, "and this please?" She gestures to her own wound.
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They quickly get sorted through the hospital. Eventually Lelouch is alone in a hospital room while Jade is being operated on.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:31 PM
Lelouch quietly taps out a response to Shawn.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn is alone in the school.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:44 PM
"Where's everybody going? Bingo?"
1:44 PM
Shawn laughs to himself at his really funny reference
1:45 PM
Shawn needed to wash up. Before he does anything else, he heads to the bathroom. Maria needs saving, but if Shawn doesn't get a second to breath, he's not going to be able to save her
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Shawn makes it to the bathroom without any problems.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 1:47 PM
Shawn washed his face, and then started at himself in the mirror for a few seconds
1:49 PM
He thought about what Lelouch and Jade said. They're in this because, somewhere or somehow, Kite hurt Lelouch. Sometime before that, someone hurt Kite. Now, Lelouch and Jade are hurting Kite. Kite will strike back at some point, Shawn bets
1:49 PM
Is that really what all this is? Endless warring between the Advent Guard and Lelouch's gang purely because one of them hurt the other and now they need to retaliate?
1:51 PM
If that's whats happening, Shawn's in kinda a weird position. He didn't enter this conflict because anyone hurt him, he did it because he wanted to. The most anyone has ever hurt him was just now, when he nearly killed Kite, but now he's being forced to work against it. The system at play is mixing him up all around, so it's no wonder he begins to question it
1:53 PM
...
1:54 PM
Shawn had said some awful things to Kite back there, hadn't he. Some of which was forced... Some of which wasn't
1:56 PM
Shawn had doubted this whole system before. A couple of times. But every time he had, it's fallen back right onto his face. Thats why Shawn was such a failure of a superhero, because as much as he tried, he couldn't bring himself to fully be in that world. Kite could.
1:57 PM
So maybe there was more to this then just cycles of revenge. Something Shawn wasn't getting
2:00 PM
Shawn gripped the edge of the sink as he thought more about what happened. He nearly lost Kite permanently. That... That's maybe what he was afraid of most of all
2:02 PM
He had contemplated suicide just a few minutes ago, but he couldnt get into the head of it anymore. He needed to keep living, because there's still good that can be done, and Kite still needs a protector. If he has to deal with Lelouch for now, he can.
2:04 PM
Shawn picked himself up. For now, he had to save Maria. Or... "save" Maria. Whatever he needs to do, he'll get out of this hell eventually. And he'll be with Kite again. This won't be the end of the Advent Guard.
2:04 PM
Shawn leaves
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The school is going back to normal, with the exception of how much people are whispering to each other about Lelouch.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:07 PM
Ugh. No amount of brainwashing is going to make him not feel a ping of disgust whenever he hears that.
2:10 PM
It's hard for Shawn to verbalize why he hated the brainwashing so much. It's the ultimate breach of privacy, breaking into someone's very mind and forcing them to do or say things they wouldn't otherwise. It's a corrosion and destruction of the self, the very thing that makes people people. Brainwash someone enough, and they're not any different from a dog
2:12 PM
Shawn thought about Masquerade V. That game relied pretty heavily on brainwashing, in retrospect. The Masquerade Thieves would (literally) break into someones mind and reform their core values into something good
2:13 PM
Shawn had never really thought about what the reciving end of that must feel like. But he knows now, he supposes
2:14 PM
Lelouch might be more similar to the Masqeurade Thieves then he and Kite were. Sorta weird to think about
2:16 PM
The difference was mostly that... Well... the thieves were the good guys, right? They did the right thing, fought for good things. Lelouch mostly just fucked around and tortured people
2:18 PM
Shawn had a big jumbled mess of thoughts in his head, none he could verbalize well. He decided to press forward and not think too hard about it. That's when it was the most fun, anyway
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((Where is he going though?))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:24 PM
Good question
2:24 PM
Shawn pulls out his phone
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-and-shawn
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:24 PM
Lelouch gets a text
Forgot to ask, where should I be going to get Maria
(edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:31 PM
She's with her dad. Orroborat or something.
2:31 PM
Do with that information what you will.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:31 PM
Like... the movie?
2:31 PM
2:31 PM
Shawn sends this gif
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:32 PM
Maria is missing and you sent a gif. Very mature.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:32 PM
I dont know where she is!
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:32 PM
I think her dad's name is Orrobourus? Like Aurora borealis.
2:32 PM
Ouroborealis?
2:33 PM
Something like that.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:33 PM
Ouroboros?
(edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:33 PM
Probably.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:35 PM
I'm still not really sure where to look. I know he owns a restaurant or something?
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:36 PM
Whatever. Go find her and bring her back to us as fast as you can.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:36 PM
Was just wondering if you knew where her house was. Sorry
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:36 PM
Oh. I know where her house is. I don't know if she'd be there but.
2:37 PM
I suppose you could look.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:37 PM
I'll check there and his resturant. Do you have any other info on where she might be?
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:38 PM
[Insert Maria's address here].
2:38 PM
Other than that, no.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:38 PM
Howd you guys find out about her being kidnaped anyway?
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:39 PM
We saw it happen.
2:39 PM
You like to ask a lot of questions.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:40 PM
Oh shit
2:40 PM
Sorry, just need to know the neccecary info
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:41 PM
Uh-huh. After you bring us Maria, maybe you can make yourself even more useful and bring us Kite too.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:41 PM
Shawn pauses for a second
2:42 PM
I can try, but I can't promise that one. I already brought you Kite one time, I don't think he's going to trust me enough to let me bring him to you a second
2:42 PM
He's stronger then me, too. Won't be able to like incapacitate him or something
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:43 PM
Well, just
2:43 PM
Try
2:44 PM
It's the least you could do considering he put my girlfriend into the operation room.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:44 PM
It's not going to work. You're better off sending someone else
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Lelouch Maoziwam
It's the least you could do considering he put my girlfriend into the operation room.
Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:47 PM
And that only happened because you used me to try to trap Kite. Unless you want a repeat of this, I think you shouldn't do this plan
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:47 PM
Fine.
2:47 PM
Do you know where he might be then? Any hideaways you and he might have? His address, maybe?
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:49 PM
Shawn pauses again
2:51 PM
His adddress is [Kite's Address], but judging by the total mess in there, I doubt hes there very often. We usually meet up at an alleyway near the school
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:52 PM
Thanks.
2:52 PM
Now, if you've got everything you need, go get to finding Maria!
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:54 PM
Keep yourself safe
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:58 PM
Seen.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / lelouch-maoziwam
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:48 PM
Lelouch checked the time while texting.
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It's about 3PM.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:53 PM
Lelouch copies the address. "I'll show you to Eryn later...after Jade is safe."
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((Who is she talking to?))
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 2:58 PM
((Herself.))
2:58 PM
"Do you think she's going to be okay?" She asks Eryn (if she's in the room). (edited)
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Eryn is not in the room.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 3:06 PM
(ignore the last sentence)
3:06 PM
(also sorry, food arrived)
3:06 PM
Lelouch is...alone.
3:07 PM
"...She'll be fine, Lelouch. Nothing bad's gonna happen."
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" Are you sure? Life... is not so simple." Shuichi Maoziwam walked into the room. "All of the resources I had in my command, and yet... Your mother is still not with us. Your brother is still not with us." He closes the door. "What makes you so confident in her?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 3:15 PM
"Ah- How'd you get here?!"
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"Are you unfamiliar with the process of health insurance? Yours comes from my money. So naturally, I was made aware of this. Even with all your ego... You still rely on your true family. Me."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 3:22 PM
(I am unfamiliar, yes.)
3:22 PM
(laughs in british)
3:22 PM
"...Dammit." Lelouch mumbles to herself.
3:23 PM
"Anyway, I don't know that Jade's gonna make it out there. But I have faith that she will."
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"Faith is ultimately meaningless. The world naturally strives towards misery. That is all it can do." He laughs for a moment. "Imagine, for a moment... That I went to her operation room and took my money back. That I simply... Let her bleed out. According to the law, there is nothing criminal about the murder I have committed. I've simply... Allowed her to go from this world. Some might even consider it a mercy, depending on how the media spun it. However... It would not be uncommon. It would simply be a common aspect of life. Loss. Unpreventable loss in your eyes, and yet, in a cosmic sense... Completely preventable. Who is it you place your faith in? An injured girl, too weak to live on her own? Skilled surgeons who lose patients every single day and teach themselves not to care? Or the universe itself? Some higher power will come down and save you from the potential grief it created by itself. There is no god... Because I do not accept that any god capable of allowing suffering in his world would exist. That any infallible being would possess a cruel moral compass." He chuckles. "Life exists for us to define it to our will. Not to strive towards its. Faith is meaningless, Lelouch. Only action can count."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 3:39 PM
"..." Having no one to butt into Shuichi's meaningless drivel, and not having someone to preoccupy her thoughts...Lelouch listened. She didn't give him the satisfaction of an answer, however.
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"I know you feel the same. That you... Do the same. That's all any of this is... An act. You pretend you hold any control over your own life... So that you may play god. But you are no god... You have solved nothing. You have done nothing. Simply played a game which will collapse around you once more."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 4:12 PM
H SORRY)
4:13 PM
"Why are you here?" She asks, almost rhetorically, but also expectantly. A paradox in itself. "Just to mock me?"
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"To... Open your eyes, I would hope." He sits down on a chair. "My time... I doubt it is too far away. And I have no idea if the things of which I warn you will strike before then. But if I am dead and buried by the time you lose everything... I would consider it my duty as your father to make you remember of my warnings. And perhaps... Even for you to take after me."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 4:25 PM
Lelouch scoffs. "Why would I want to take after you? Half the time you talk to me you go on some rant I couldn't care less about."
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"Have you truly convinced yourself of that? I know you better than anyone else in the world. We are... Kindred spirits. Bonded by blood, life, and experience. You may desperately wish to distance yourself from me, but you cannot change this fact. No matter what you do... We are one and the same."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 4:32 PM
"No, we are not!" Lelouch stands, physically distancing herself from Shuichi. "Just because we both lost my mother and my brother does not mean we are one in the same. Just because you're my father does not mean we are one in the same. How do we differ? Well, for starters, I don't put down plates of food for dead people! Secondly, I'm grown up to appreciate the people I have with me now than the people I've lost in the past. Lastly, you just live in this world! You don't even try to do what me and Jade are doing! We're making it better, bit by bit, person by person, and the fact you fail to see that and mask it as some delusion of mine shows me just how different we are!"
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"Do you truly appreciate them? Or do you simply appreciate their use as tools to fill a void in your heart that can never truly be filled. You're right, there is certainly a core difference between us... Honesty. I live my life with honesty, while you sit back and pretend you've risen above anything at all. You play games of fake morality, of perceived superiority, while like me, you simply run around with holes in your heart. Where I honor the memory of those whom we have lost, you spit in their face, desperate to escape the possibility that you have lost those you love. But it remains true. Your feelings run deeper than those who you permit to show on the surface. Where I am honest and honorable, you are a foolish coward who would refuse to accept anything that meant feeling pain within your soul. Anything that would cause you to feel anything but the dark cloud of simple meaningless bliss you enshroud yourself in. Your heart speaks louder than your words can, Lelouch."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 4:55 PM
"Would you just- stop?" Lelouch sighs, exasperated and in pain. "If you were any form of a father, you'd shut up and comfort me. You wouldn't hold yourself to a higher regard than me because you 'live in honesty', and you certainly wouldn't try to drag me into whatever weird fantasy you daydream. I'm fine without you. I will always be fine without you. I have Jade, and Eryn, and, if Shawn hurries up, Maria too. Then I'll change the world, a world better than whatever one you're living in, and you'll wake up to the realisation that I was right, and you were wrong." Lelouch limps her way to a chair. "But that day's not today, and Jade and I have to overcome this obstacle that damned Kite threw our way in order to stop our plans in the name of his stupid fake heroism, so if all you're gonna do is act all high and mighty, then shut up." Lelouch sits back down, further away from Shuichi.
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"So you’ve accumulated even more women to pretend to love you, have you? Will it ever end? There is honour in monogamy. Your mother was the only woman I ever needed. And yet you merely chase for more and more because you will never be satisfied." Shuichi. A doctor comes into the room. "Sir, we’ve finished the operation. The patient is-" Shuichi raises his hand to silence them. "Shall we make a bet, Lelouch? Did your faith come through? Or is today the day?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 5:07 PM
"..." Lelouch ignores Shuichi. "Ignore him, he's delusional. Tell me, is she alright?"
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Shuichi smirks. "She’s safely recovered." The doctor. "Lucky you." Shuichi.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 5:41 PM
Lelouch let out a sigh of relief. "See? She's alright. Now, you can leave." Lelouch gets up and walks to the doctor. "Is she alright to leave?"
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"Yes, but you really shouldn’t walk on that leg right now." The doctor pointed to Lelouch's injured leg.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 5:44 PM
"Please, I'm fine." Lelouch is smiling through the pain. (edited)
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"No, you’re not." The doctor. "Listen to the good doctor, Lelouch. Your words cannot affect reality." Shuichi.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 5:46 PM
"Well, then just...give me one of those walking canes, or a crutch. I can't just lie down forever."
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"At least wait for the operation." The doctor.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/1/2023 6:08 PM
"...Okay." She sits back down.#
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"Goodbye, Lelouch." Shuichi left.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:27 PM
Lelouch watches as Shuichi leaves. "...How long until my operation?" She turns her attention to the doctor.
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This question is answered, and then several hours pass until Lelouch is let out of the hospital, back to normal. It’s late.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:29 PM
Is Lelouch with Jade?
3:31 PM
It takes Lelouch a moment to return to normal, having gotten used to standing on and walking with the limp. She looks around for Eryn, or (reluctantly) Shuichi. Or Kite, if he'dd bothered to actually bring Maria to her.
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Jade and Eryn both meet up with Lelouch in the lobby.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:34 PM
Good! Then Lelouch, seeing the lack of Kite, looks toward Jade. "Do you...want to go home, Jade?" She asks, ernestly.
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"Yes… I’m very tired. And we should start working on our more serious plans." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:37 PM
(I GOT KITE AND SHAWN CONFUSED)
3:37 PM
(H)
3:38 PM
"Well, while you were in surgery, I talked to Shawn. He gave me Kite's address, and refused to search for him alongside us, so if we start looking for him, we could start there." She nods, heading to Eryn's car. "Eryn, would you mind driving us home?"
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"No problem." Eryn. "I meant about spraying Jeff Johnner and taking his criminal empire. Once we have that, Kite definitely won’t be able to stop us." Jade. (edited)
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:46 PM
"Hm..." Lelouch thinks about it, before turning to Jade. "How would we even do that?"
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"Well, we have one of his employees now. She can help." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:49 PM
"Oh yeah! Eryn, where does Jeff Johanner hold his headquarters?" (It's Eryn, right?)
3:49 PM
(Ignore this statement if it's not)
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((It is Eryn)) "It’s not far, I can show you." Eryn. "Great, then we can go tomorrow." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:52 PM
"Great! We've got our plans!"
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Eryn drives Lelouch home.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 3:54 PM
Lelouch looks at the window during the drive, glancing towards Jade, then down towards where the wound was inflicted. "...I'm happy you're alright. I don't know what I'd do without a cutie like you." She chuckles.
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"I don’t think I could live without you either, Ms Lelouch." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 4:01 PM
When the two arrived, Lelouch got out and quickly ran to Jade's side of the car, opening it. How chivalrous!
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"You’re so sweet, Ms Lelouch." Jade got out of the car.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 4:08 PM
Lelouch tells Eryn that she'll text her in the morning, to come get them. She then leads Jade to the complex. "Were you in much pain?"
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Eryn agrees and leaves. "It was torture… He’s going to pay." Jade.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 4:20 PM
"Yeah, he is." Lelouch says sternly.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 4:27 PM
Lelouch heads inside, occasionally glancing at Jade through the silence until she gets to the elevator.
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Jade follows her. She presses the button for the penthouse.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 4:39 PM
"I won't let that happen to you again, Jade." Lelouch says firmly, waiting for the elevator to arrive at the penthouse.
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They arrived, and Jade ran straight for Lelouch’s room.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:05 PM
Lelouch quickly follows.
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Jade quickly got to work setting up a plan. "You should rest up, Ms Lelouch."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:06 PM
"You should too, Jade!"
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"But what about planning?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:08 PM
"We can plan in the morning. You took the worser hit out of both of us, you need rest more than me."
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"Alright, Ms Lelouch."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:09 PM
"It's been a while since we last ate. Want some latenight cereal?"
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"I would love some!"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:15 PM
Lelouch smiles, pouring two bouls of cereal, passing one to Jade as she gets into bed.
5:15 PM
(wait do they have a table)
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((I think they do)) Jade eats her cereal.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:20 PM
Ignore the last statement they're probably eating at the table. Lelouch finishes heartily, and patiently waits for Jade to do the same so she can pop the bowls away.
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"Ms Lelouch... Do you ever think about 'what if's?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:23 PM
"What do you mean, cutie?" Lelouch asks, putting the dishes in the sink(?). (edited)
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"Like... What if something went differently? What if I had killed Kite? What if I had sprayed Kite? What if we'd never met?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:26 PM
"That's...certanly a train of thought." Lelouch chuckles, walking to the bed.
5:27 PM
"Why do you ask?"
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"Because that's how it feels to fail, right? Knowing you could have done something better... But you didn't."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:30 PM
"Hey, you didn't fail anything today! Just because Kite is still...out there, doesn't mean anything. He just...outsmarted us by distracting us with some dumb heroics. We was dumb enough to abandon the only person at the school who still likes him!" Lelouch pats the spot beside her on the bed. Lelouch didn't really know if what she was saying was true, but she was certain of one thing. "You could never fail me."
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"But I did fail."
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:31 PM
"Not to me."
5:32 PM
"You just...prolonged the progression. Means we get to spend more time planning, more time showing the truth to people and more time together before we make the world a better place."
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"..." She takes a moment to answer. "Not just that, the other what if... What if we never met? Who would I be?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:33 PM
"Well, there are three variants of that what if." Lelouch says, pausing. "You've got Option A: Neither of us got kidnapped, Option B: You got kidnapped, I didn't, and Option C: I Got kidnapped and you didn't."
5:34 PM
"If Option A is the situation then...we'd just live our normal lives prior to the abduction."
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"But I... Don't know what that was, right?"
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:35 PM
"...Hm." Lelouch had momentarily forgotten that part. "Well...does that what if really matter?"
5:35 PM
"We've got each other now. We're helping each other along the way, regardless of what we do and don't remember."
5:37 PM
"Even if you don't remember what you were, focus on what you are: my girlfriend, and more importantly, the person helping me make the world better."
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"You're right. You made me Jade Lamperouge... So the person I was before, she doesn't really matter anymore." She smiled.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:39 PM
"Exactly!" Lelouch smiles, getting under the covers. "Goodnight, cutie."
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"Goodnight, cutie." She sleeps.
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Lelouch Maoziwam 6/3/2023 5:40 PM
Lelouch mimimis
5:41 PM
(Is that this session/chapter/smth done?)
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Lelouch falls asleep. ((That’s the end of chapter 8, yes))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / harriet-kadin
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Sarah heads down the stairs. Corpse Husband is still following you but is no longer acting independently.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 3:58 PM
Harriet swears and attempts to take the elevator.
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Harriet arrives at the ground floor, but Sarah is gone.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 4:08 PM
"Shit." Harriet says. "Well, that went... awfully."
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Harriet's phone rings.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 4:12 PM
Harriet checks who it is.
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It’s Carl.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 4:21 PM
Harriet picks up.
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As Harriet is about to pick up, a second person calls at the same time. It’s Alexi.
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 4:23 PM
Harriet picks up Carl's call.
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((Okay I have to pause here actually because I have not finished with what happens to Carl beforehand. I wasn’t expecting you to pick up you called my bluff. This should be fixed later today if you’re still available))
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Harriet Kadin 5/6/2023 4:28 PM
((lol i outwitted you. idk if i'll be available later today but i'll lyk))
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((Okay definitely not today))
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((Saturday))
6:55 PM
((Might start a little later than usual depending on how things go))
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"Heyyyyyy…" Carl.
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((I forgot you were busy are you able to do a makeup session at some point this week))
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Ehn/PC
((I forgot you were busy are you able to do a makeup session at some point this week))
Harriet Kadin 5/13/2023 10:14 PM
((probably i’ll let u know what time im available))
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Harriet Kadin 5/17/2023 4:28 PM
((How do u feel abt tmrw))
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((Oh I thought you were saying today. Tomorrow also works))
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Harriet Kadin 5/17/2023 4:29 PM
((I meant today initially but I forgot I had a test today I just got home from a three hour exam and I think I need to sleep forever))
4:29 PM
((But tomorrow should be good)
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 3:25 PM
@Ehn/PC ((can we do like 4:30 to 7ish))
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((That works))
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 4:36 PM
“Hi, Carl.” Harriet says.
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"You’re, uh… You didn’t come in to work today."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 4:45 PM
“I’m sorry.” Harriet says mechanically. “I couldn’t... work up the energy.”
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"But… You don’t even have to walk."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 4:56 PM
“Emotionally, Carl.”
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"Emotionally?" He pauses. "Well… Uh… Well… Either way, I… I need you, y’know? For work. Don’t you think not considering that is kind of selfish?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:09 PM
"I'm sorry I'm inconveniencing you, Carl," Harriet says, her voice shaking with barely-restrained rage. "If you like, I can shove myself in a meat grinder and you can get the leftovers. Or I could, like, rig up a fun suicide machine that ends with my decapitated head being dunked through a basketball hoop. Would that be better for you?"
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He doesn’t respond.
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:14 PM
Harriet keeps going. "I could buy a shotgun. I mean, this is America, Carl, I could buy so many shotguns! I'm aware that isn't very politically correct of me.. but all my friends love talking about the armed uprising of the proletariat, so maybe it is? I don't know anymore, Carl. I mean, I'm a woman, so maybe I should just use pills? I need your advice, Carl. You're so helpful - I can't do this by myself."
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"Uh- I- Uh- I think… Uh, it sounds like you shouldn’t do that."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:19 PM
Harriet pouts. "Why not?"
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His voice turns into a pathetic squeak. "Please don’t hurt me, boss."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:27 PM
Harriet frowns. "Who's the boss?"
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"Huh?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:30 PM
"Who's the boss, Carl?"
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"…Mr Maoziwam?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:32 PM
"Tell me about him."
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"Wh-Why?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:36 PM
"Because if you don't I'll kill myself over the phone."
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"Please don’t… Do that… What do you want to know?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:41 PM
"Is he the one who called me a whore, that one time? In your office, when you thought I wasn't listening? What does he want from you?"
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"I dunno, he doesn’t really tell me anything…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:44 PM
"Is he having you do something sketchy?"
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"Not really… He just keeps asking me to stop talking to the boss."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:49 PM
"Right. Niebel."
5:49 PM
"Carl, why do you think I work for you? Be honest."
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"The… Money?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:51 PM
"That's part of it. Why else?"
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"There's... More than that?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 5:57 PM
"Yes."
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"Is it... For me?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:14 PM
"Something like that. I mean... you're just so needy, Carl. You can see why that'd be valuable, right? To have someone around so unbelievably desperate for female attention of any kind?" (edited)
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"I don't... I don't really think that's true."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:20 PM
"Why not?"
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"That's... Why are you saying this, exactly?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:24 PM
Harriet's nose is bleeding.
6:24 PM
"Because I'm tired, Carl. I'm really, really tired."
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"I can... Be better..."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:32 PM
"You have to be. Or everyone will leave you again, Carl, okay? Including me."
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"Can I just… Ask you a question?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:36 PM
"Okay."
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"Have you ever… Been in love? Like with another man, but like you’re pretending, but you’re also a man in this scenario. And this other guy… He’s really cool and smart… Like even more than me somehow. So like… You pretend you’re gay or something. Has that ever happened to you?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:42 PM
"Uh. I'm not gay. And I..... okay. Whatever. Yeah. That's.. happened to me, before."
6:42 PM
"But I'm not gay. For reference."
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"Now, uh, if that guy died… You wouldn’t be responsible right?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:45 PM
"I guess it would depend on how s- he died."
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"He fell off a mountain."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:45 PM
"Did you... push him?"
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"No… I’m not… I’m not you."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:48 PM
Harriet freezes. Her tone is very cold. "Where are you going with this, Carl?"
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"I’m just asking… Would you have pushed him…? Or was it… Was it an accident?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:49 PM
Harriet inhales shakily. "If it was me? It would be an accident. But if it was you? I don't know."
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"It’s not me! I’m not talking about me! I wasn’t even near him when he died…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:52 PM
"Right. Right... out of curiosity, Carl, who would this be?"
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"Haven’t you uh… Heard the rumours? They were trending last week…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:55 PM
"Indulge me. Pretend I haven't."
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"They’re… They’re saying the boss killed his… Uh… 'boyfriend'."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 6:58 PM
"And what does this have to do with you, Carl?"
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"Well, umm… He was my brother. Would you… Would you have killed my brother?"
7:00 PM
"If you were pretending to be gay together."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 7:02 PM
"Not... without good reason."
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"And what’s… What would be a good reason?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 7:04 PM
"I don't know. You're his brother - can't you think of a good reason?"' (edited)
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"No one… No one would ever want to kill my bro… That’s like… Illegal."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 7:13 PM
"A lot of things are illegal. We still do them."
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"Well, those are like… Cool crimes."
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 7:16 PM
"Murder can be cool. Depending on who you ask."
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"I don’t- I don’t- Please don’t kill me…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/18/2023 7:17 PM
((it's 7 so i have to leave and eat dinner and be a person. what a convo lmao))
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((See ya))
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"I don’t- I don’t- Please don’t kill me…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/20/2023 2:12 PM
((Shit I realized I forgot to tell you. I am uhh currently at a funeral right now so I will not be AGing))
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((Oh alright then))
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((Saturday but could you also get a makeup session before then or is that not possible))
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Ehn/PC
((Saturday but could you also get a makeup session before then or is that not possible))
Harriet Kadin 5/22/2023 4:01 PM
((I can probably do a makeup session I’ll lyk when I’m available))
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"I don’t- I don’t- Please don’t kill me…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:04 PM
"I'm not going to kill you, Carl, you useless creature."
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"I’m not… I wouldn’t say I’m useless. Most probably- Definitely wouldn’t either."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:06 PM
Harriet snorts derisively. "Like who? Your wife who hates you? Or your boss who hates you?"
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"Thats… He doesn’t hate me- He… He says I’m cool!"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:07 PM
"Do you really think he believes that? He was buttering you up, Carl, god."
2:08 PM
"And you fell for it. Like a sucker."
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"That’s… He wouldn’t… Haha…"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:10 PM
"Of course he would. You're really easy, you know that?"
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"I’m… I’m not! I’m not!"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:29 PM
"You're so easy, Carl, and so desperate. For affection - attention - anything." Her voice is clinical.
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"I’m really hard! The hardest of the hard!"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:33 PM
"Yeah, I'm sure you're made out of fucking stone, Carl. And that's why you're on the verge of tears, right!"
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"I’m not!" Carl. Alexi is calling again.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:43 PM
"I have to wrap this up, Carl."
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"See- See you later!" He hangs up. (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:50 PM
Harriet looks at her phone. There's something strange and warm in her chest - like burning, everywhere. For a moment, she doesn't care if she's ruined everything - if Carl will refuse to speak to her after this, will no longer cling to her like she's hiding all the secrets to the universe and then some. It's odd - the words didn't feel right on her tongue, like someone was pushing them up and out of her, someone with a different motivation, an alien way of thinking, mapped to her brain. But the relief is still there. Maybe it isn't even her relief. It's someone else.
2:50 PM
Harriet picks up Alexi's call.
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"Harriet! Where the hell are you?" Alexi.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 2:52 PM
"Long story. What, am I supposed to be somewhere?"
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"I need your help over here. The other guy isn't responding either."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:01 PM
"What's going on?"
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"Just come here, I'll explain."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:10 PM
"Tell me where you are first, geez."
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"Where do you think? The apartment, obviously."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:14 PM
"Fine," Harriet says shortly, and hangs up. "Pain in the goddamn ass..." she mutters as she wheels herself to her car.
3:14 PM
She promptly takes off.
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Harriet arrives at the apartment building without any issues.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:21 PM
Harriet enters and promptly looks around for Alexi.
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He's in the lobby. "Come on." They get on the elevator.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:26 PM
"What's going on?" Harriet says.
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"I need your help for something I don't think you want anyone to overhear."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:31 PM
"Fine." Harriet says shortly.
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She waits for Harriet to get in the elevator.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:41 PM
Harriet gets on the elevator.
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He goes up to their floor and enters the apartment.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 3:50 PM
Harriet follows.
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"So... First of all. You didn't find it yesterday. I still have 1 last idea for where to look."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:01 PM
"Where?"
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"The penthouse of this building. Shuichi Maoziwam's apartment." She points up.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:04 PM
"Oh. Uh oh."
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"What?"
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:17 PM
"No, just.. I feel like sneaking into Shuichi Maoziwam's apartment won't go well."
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"You do basically work for him, right? Just work with that. I have my own job to figure out, so I’ll focus on that. Don’t distract me, just do your thing."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:29 PM
"I've!! Basically never talked to him!!" Harriet yells. "You can't - just expect me to get all chummy with him-"
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"Then sneak in! I don’t care! Guy's wife is dead, so you can copy your Carl technique if you’re desperate." He pauses. "That’s a joke, to be clear. If you do that I will slap you. Just figure something out."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:35 PM
"Sneak in? Won't he have, like, security?"
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"His butler died a few days ago. Apparently the only people who've gone into that house since are him, his daughter, and her girlfriends. Okay not apparently, I did just spy on them."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:42 PM
"Huh. Well... what about security cameras?"
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"I got Sarah to hack them for me. Hence the spying. I'll delete any footage afterwards, it's fine. And the police will have a lot more on their hands with when Johnner dies today."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 4:58 PM
Harriet exhales. "And we're not being monitored right now, right?"
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"No, we're not."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 5:01 PM
"Okay. I guess... I'll break into his house. I don't... exactly know how to do that. With a lockpick? Do people still use lockpicks, or were they just made up for heist movies?"
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"That's... I don't know. I didn't think that part through for you. Sorry for assuming you had a functioning brain."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 5:11 PM
"Hopefully you won't make that mistake again," Harriet says drily. "God, you're mean."
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"Yeah. And I live happier that way." She heads to the door. "...Good luck, though."
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 5:19 PM
"...Thanks."
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They leave.
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 5:19 PM
((feels like a goodstopping point and i need to eat dinner so))
5:19 PM
((sorry if a lot of progress wasn't made))
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((It's fine))
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Harriet Kadin 5/27/2023 5:20 PM
((👍 ))
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((Saturday))
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They leave.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:17 PM
Harriet puts her face in her hands. "What the fuck am I supposed to do..." she moans.
2:17 PM
Harriet cautiously makes her way up to the penthouse, and begins to assess the apartment, looking for possible points of entry.
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The elevator makes its way directly into the penthouse, but it seems to require a code of some kind. The only other entrance is through the staircase.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:20 PM
Harriet pulls her phone and calls Alexi immediately.
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He doesn’t pick up.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:25 PM
"FUCK YOU", Harriet texts Alexi in all caps.
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No response.
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Harriet gets a text from Carl that simply says. ‘im supposed to fire you or only pretend to threaten you'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:37 PM
Harriet texts back "What???"
2:37 PM
"What does this mean"
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‘firing you'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:41 PM
"Why"
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'i asked the boss what to do'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 2:41 PM
"And why does he think you should fire me?"
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'he didn’t answer'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:01 PM
“And you’re just gonna listen to him?”
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‘hes the boss'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:13 PM
“Is he, though? When all he does is treat you like shit?”
3:13 PM
“Carl, you’re his whipping boy. Don’t you want to be better than that?”
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'but hes so cool. im supposed to be like him'
3:23 PM
'theres like 2 people people are supposed to be like’ 'the boss is the man version of that so hes the best one'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:34 PM
“I think it would make you even cooler if you could prove you weren’t so desperate for his approval and taciturn acknowledgement all the time. Would he act like this towards you?”
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'how' 'how would I do that'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:41 PM
"By not listening to everything he says, for one. By... helping me..."
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'are you trying to use me' 'is that why ur being nice now' ‘because you need something from me'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:44 PM
"Would I do something like that?"
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'i feel like ur trying to make me say no when the answer you told me earlier would be yes and this is all really confusing why did this happen today what did I do wrong why is everyone mad at me im innocent and completely harmless and the coolest person of all time and very useful but not a tool im really useful in the sense youd admire like a hero noy like someone you were trying to use because you wouldn’t admire someone youre trying to use thats like embarrassing'
3:47 PM
'*not'
3:47 PM
'no'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 3:56 PM
Harriet frowns. This will need.. more careful handling than she was expecting. (edited)
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:08 PM
She backtracks. "You're useful, Carl, but that's not all you are. Isn't it a good thing, to be used? To be valuable? To be.. something, to someone even... and you're something to me, Carl, aren't you? I mean, haven't I proved that by now? With how much I listen to you, and tolerate you..."
4:08 PM
"Since when did the Boss offer you a scrap of the kindness I showed you? I'm good to you."
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'just' 'tell me what you want'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:16 PM
"Do you know the code to the boss's apartment?"
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'yes'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:17 PM
"Would you tell it to me?"
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He starts typing and stops several times. Finally, he answers. 'if you promise me you wont leave me' 'sincerely' 'so i can believe it'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:24 PM
"Do you want me to call you? So you can hear my voice."
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'if you want'
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:35 PM
Harriet calls.
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He picks up, but doesn’t say anything.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:41 PM
"I won't leave you, Carl. I promise." She says out loud.
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"I-" He pauses uncomfortably. "…Come on, don’t you think my idiocy is worth a little more than that?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:46 PM
"What?"
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"I mean…" He clears his throat, but it somehow only makes him sound more pathetic. "You’re just trying to use me, right? It’s… It was stupid to pretend otherwise. I know you’re just trying to use me. Like you always have… So if this is my only role… For you, or for the boss… Can’t I just get a little more out of it? Can’t you just… Put a little more into it?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 4:51 PM
"...What do you want, Carl?" She tries to be gentle. "I can't.. give you anything if you can't tell me what you need."
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"Do you love me? No-" He stops himself. "That’s… No. I wouldn’t… I wouldn’t stoop to that, that’s- That’s ridiculous. I- Um… I-" he clears his throat. "Can you… Tell me what to do to… Do that? To create that love and admiration? From everyone. I mean… I can’t be doing too bad, right? My world's been falling apart for a week and I only just hit rock bottom enough to be asking a girl. There’s… There’s gotta be a market for a guy like me, right? I mean, there’s a market for every kind of girl. You can make the most messed up girls in the world and she’ll still be able to selectively pick whatever guy she wants, right? Cause like… Women, you’re like built for that. No one teaches us guys how to feel wanted… So, y’know… I just… Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah… Yeah. Mhm. Yeah. Yeah… Yeah. It’s- Yeah. You get it, right? Yeah. ….Yeah."
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:21 PM
Oh god. Harriet thinks. "I... understand completely, Carl. Girls... really get everything they want handed to them on a silver platter, right? It's not fair. It must... it must be hard, living a kind of life with no appeal, knowing that no one will ever look at you the way you want to be looked at. I mean, they're offered up adoration for doing nothing but being sexless, ugly little things... and you put so much effort into your image... it's cruel. It's cruel, really, that no one will give you what you want... or need. And I can help you broaden your appeal, Carl, you just - need to be more confident. You need these women to need you, and for you to need them..." (edited)
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"The code is uh- It's..." He gives a series of number.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:28 PM
"Thank you, Carl. Really."
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He makes an awkward squirming noise and hangs up.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:40 PM
Harriet exhales. She types the code in.
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The elevator opens up into Maoziwam’s penthouse apartment.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:45 PM
Harriet cautiously wheels herself in, and analyzes her surroundings.
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It’s a large fancy apartment, but it feels almost like no one’s lived here in quite some time. Like the occupants of this house froze in place one day and the house hasn’t been touched since. Maoziwam’s personal office is visible.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:49 PM
Harriet wheels herself into Maoziwam's personal office and begins to look through his belongings.
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It’s locked.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 5:54 PM
Harriet frowns and begins to scour the room for places a key could be - the kitchen? The living room? His bedroom?
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Corpse Husband goes through the door and unlocks it from the inside.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 6:01 PM
"You're a real one, Corpse Husband," Harriet says, and pushes open the door.
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Shuichi Maoziwam's office is a strange cluttered mess of random dusty objects. His work desk is in the center of the room.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 6:07 PM
Harriet wheels herself to the work desk and checks that.
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((Roll))
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Harriet Kadin
used /r
DiceParser BOT 6/3/2023 6:15 PM
# 15 Details:[d20 (15)]
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 6:16 PM
((i forgot to do it in the other channel whoops))
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Harriet finds the deed to Braun Fishery.
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 6:23 PM
Harriet texts Alexi "I found it"
6:23 PM
"With no help from u I should add"
6:23 PM
She wheels herself out in a hurry.
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'Fuck you' Alexi responds. The elevator doors open, and Shuichi Maoziwam steps out. He looks directly at Harriet. ((End session))
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Harriet Kadin 6/3/2023 6:31 PM
((oh nyooo))
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((Saturday))
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Harriet Kadin 6/10/2023 1:37 PM
((Hey won’t be able to session today because I have a family outing thing))
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((Okay))
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((Saturday))
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((Saturday))
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Harriet Kadin 6/24/2023 10:00 AM
((jsyk I’ll be a few hours late))
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Harriet Kadin 6/24/2023 2:05 PM
((i will still try to do itbut i may be in too much pain to focus))
2:05 PM
((and or at the er))
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((I hope you feel better bestie))
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Maoziwam stared at her suspiciously, before it slowly melted into depressive apathy. "…Ah. You’re Carl's secretary, aren’t you?"
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Ehn/PC
((I hope you feel better bestie))
Harriet Kadin 6/24/2023 6:00 PM
((CAN we reschedule for tomorrow I am free all day))
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((Sure I guess))
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 2:08 PM
Harriet pauses. "...Yes." she responds. (edited)
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"…What does he need?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 2:16 PM
Harriet blanks. Her throat is dry. Fear moves through her like a wild animal.
2:16 PM
"I'm worried about him." She says.
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He takes a moment to respond as if pondering something, but his expression doesn’t change. "…Don’t be. Carl Tucker is not a man worthy of anyone’s attention, let alone worry."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 2:22 PM
Harriet attempts to coax her face into something resembling concerning. "I know, I know, it's just... he keeps saying such strange things to me. And I thought... you could help, maybe? He looks up to you."
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He sighs and starts to walk towards the dining room. "What exactly has he been saying?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 2:29 PM
Harriet wheels herself alongside him. "Just various things about how.. lonely he is, and sad all the time, and the kind of man he wants to be, which's modeled very clearly off of you. But at the same time.. I think he resents you, very deeply. For having everything he doesn't - seemingly effortlessly. That resentment can't lead to good things, can it?"
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"…I don’t particularly care." He enters the dining room, which has 4 seats that seem to all be regularly cleaned. "Do you know how many people live here?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 2:40 PM
"...No?"
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"2. …Well, currently 3, but she’s an unwelcome guest. A few years ago, there were 4 of us. At the time, I also believed I had everything. I believed in the age old myth that with money, you can do absolutely anything you want. Unlike every other rich man in the world, I did not grow up with everything. I cheated my way to the top, as would many if they could. When I succeeded, I had so much I could not fathom what to do with it. Rich and poor, we are not designed to comprehend the other. Society built a barrier to separate us, to avoid crossing in between. But I saw above the clouds… And with it, I too believed. I believed in the endless treasure you poor fools were taught. But above, there is no reward. There is nothing to earn or to receive. No wisdom, no reward, simply complacency. A simple meaningless life where all believe they are above consequence and would delude themselves to no end to fit in. And in a single car accident, I lost everything that mattered. My wife and son both lie dead, and my daughter lives through delusions of grandeur that she will ever accomplish anything. If Carl wishes to resent me, so be it. In all senses, he is evil itself. An idiot of a man who does not rely on anything of his own, simply lives through other's fortunes. If he wishes to believe I have anything more than him in a way that matters, then let him. He deserves all accompanying pain."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 3:01 PM
Harriet's fingers tremble with poorly-restrained rage and terror in equal measure. "...So it's that he's a pushover."
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"If you wish to think of it that way. But most people are pushovers. They’ve been conditioned to believe they want what the people above them want. Money, fame, power. All of it is simply a means to an end. In a century, no one will remember the man who held several billion dollars. It is no accomplishment. He has taken from the world enough imaginary points to end world hunger, hurray. No one will celebrate this. No one will find it impressive. He will die like any man, woman, or child.… And his imaginary points will not follow him. All of this…" He waves all around. "It all means nothing. It’s a trick. A practical joke built to make you envy people who have no one to love them and desperately want the attention regardless."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 3:18 PM
Harriet sits back for a second, twisting his words over in her mind, the shape of them. "That's a remarkably communist sentiment for a big-shot CEO."
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"…Heh. I am not a communist either. Perhaps I agree with the notion that this world is meaningless… But fixing society is not a solution, much less in the way you suggest. Equality is an impossible dream. There will always be someone on top and someone on the bottom. Farcical ideas like that only seek to replace who is on top, not to eliminate them. Only a small percentage of the human population will ever be powerful… And most of them will never understand what it means to truly matter. As I am at the top currently, I would prefer this meaningless world over the expected meaningless world. I’m not a selfless man. But to you… the change would be meaningless. It’s not worth anyone’s effort to prop up your next dictator willingly."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 3:29 PM
Harriet stares at her hands. "..You know, I might not actually be a communist either. I think another version of me was supposed to be - but I'm not."
3:29 PM
"Sorry, was that a weird thing to say?"
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"It was."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 3:30 PM
"Sorry. Again."
3:30 PM
Harriet wants to hate herself for saying that. She can't muster up the energy. It's too cold.
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"You don’t have to apologize. Outside, I may project the appearance of someone who demands respect… But in my home I don’t bother to lie. I could not care less if you acted strange in my presence. Your existence has very little meaning to me."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 3:50 PM
Harriet laughs sourly. "That's more along the lines of what I had expected from you."
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"I’m not a particularly complex person. I’m simply knowledgeable. …And I must admit, it’s been quite some time since I had a real conversation in my own home."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:07 PM
"Were you looking for one?"
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He doesn’t answer.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:19 PM
Harriet sits in silence.
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"…Have you ever considered not working for Carl?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:33 PM
"Only briefly," Harriet says honestly.
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"I could have you transferred to a position that is far less demeaning. Perhaps even one with a higher pay. This is the first time anyones come to me for anything but their own self-interest."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:41 PM
Harriet pauses. "Would that mean.. leaving Carl behind?"
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"Evidently."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:49 PM
"..Can I have time to think about it?"
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"No. It was not a serious offer. Merely… A test."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 4:57 PM
"Did I pass or fail?"
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"...I don't know. Ultimately, it does not really matter. Your visit will affect nothing. The same goes for your choice."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:11 PM
"You could make some kind of poem out of this. There's a story there, right? To the.. abject loss of purpose. Me sitting on my fucking hands again."
5:11 PM
"I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm saying." (A lie.)
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"…I hate stories." He turns away from her. "That’s all you had to say, yes?"
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:16 PM
The fact of the matter is, Harriet thinks warily, is that her body is not a machine made to protect her. It is - poorly designed. Her lungs are flattened smushy lumps. Her stomach is a shriveled prune. Her spinal cord is a fucking marimba, the marrow of it smoothed out, jutting out of her ruined back like a goddamn xylophone, like rocks on the far-off shore, like - something. Anything else. There's some separation between the meat of her body and the cold electric weight of her brain, that wet galvanic symphony, that - fuck. Fuck, right? Her body is a room with all the lights turned off. And if she - conceptualizes it that way - thinks of her thumb slamming into the cartilage of her nose - it doesn't really matter, has utterly failed to matter, if her brain is cleft in two. There's a Harriet that wants to be good, and a Harriet that wants to be strong, and none of those Harriets are here right now. There's just her and the body. There's just me.
5:17 PM
Who is me, Harriet thinks almost desperately, but before she can expand on that - the strangeness of that thought, the narrative pivot - her memory melts away like soap. There is simply nothing there.
5:17 PM
"That's all," she says quietly, wondering why her heart's beating so fast.
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"..."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:21 PM
"...Do you need anything from me?"
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"No."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:25 PM
"...Okay." Harriet says carefully. "I'll... leave, then. It was nice to talk to you. Maybe."
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"Hm."
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:36 PM
"Well... bye." She says quietly, and attempts to leave.
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"...Thank you." He turns around.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:40 PM
Harriet leaves. As soon as she's out of sight, she immediately pulls out her phone.
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'Are you coming?' From Alexi.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:48 PM
"Coming," she types. "Got sidetracked."
5:48 PM
Harriet exits the building and immediately makes her way to Alexi's place.
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Alexi's place is in the same building.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 5:54 PM
((I forgot that because I am dumb))
5:54 PM
Harriet makes her way to Alexi's apartment.
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The door has been left unlocked. There's some arguing in a room in the back of the apartment.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 6:02 PM
Harriet wheels herself in. "..Alexi?" She says tentatively.
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No response, still just arguing in another room.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 6:14 PM
Harriet approaches the other room. "Alexi?" She says again.
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"Hello?" ???. "What?" Alexi.
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Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 6:20 PM
"...I have the document," is all Harriet can say, astonished.
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((Is she like. Going in?))
6:23 PM
"HELP ME!" ???.
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Ehn/PC
((Is she like. Going in?))
Harriet Kadin 6/25/2023 6:28 PM
((I meant she was going in yeah, sorry. Also I'm done for today))
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((Just give me a second more, trust me))
6:30 PM
??? is tied to a chair inside. Alexi is missing an eye and standing next to him.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / unknown
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"Howard’ll take any excuse to kill us. He’s practically begging to catch us in the act." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 7:09 PM
"Who's Howard?"
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"Howard Scott, a detective." Johnner ducks into an alleyway. "He must have some kind of death wish if he’s still fighting us, but he always seems to pull through."
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Marco Gould 5/13/2023 7:16 PM
"Oh." I nod and follow.
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"Well, this is an odd pairing." Alexi steps out of the shadows and points a gun at ???. ((End session))
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((No session this week unless I get a makeup session with someone else to go far enough))
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((No session this week))
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((Saturday))
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"Well, this is an odd pairing." Alexi steps out of the shadows and points a gun at ???.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:24 PM
I try to shoot Alexi.
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??? does not have a gun anymore.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:26 PM
I stare down at my hands and scream.
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"What are you doing?" Alexi. "And who the hell would you be?" Johnner aims his gun at Alexi.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:29 PM
"Y... yeah! Who the hell would you be!?" I point at Alexi.
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"This is a really crappy act." Alexi. "Act? And what exactly is he acting about?" Johnner.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:33 PM
"He's insane! And crazy!"
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"That’s a guy?" Johnner. "As much as this thrilling mystery about my gender must appeal to some fucking stupid moron, this isn’t the point of what’s happening right now." Alexi.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:37 PM
"What is?"
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"Are you going to stop playing dumb or do I have to kill you too?" Alexi. "You’re certainly confident to think you could take us on." Johnner. "That man barely has a face, and I’m probably only beating your lung cancer to it by a month. I think I’ll be fine." Alexi. "Ah… A smoking joke. I understand." Johnner. "Good job." Alexi.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:45 PM
I run for Alexi and try to tackle them.
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((Roll))
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:48 PM
((15))
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Alexi shoots ??? in the chest as they tackle her. Both fall to the ground. "You’re certainly brave." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:51 PM
"AAAAAGH!!"
2:51 PM
I grit my teeth and try to find Alexi's gun and force it into my hands.
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((Roll))
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 2:54 PM
((4))
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Alexi shoots ??? again, and kicks them off him. Johnner tries to shoot her, but it misses. "You wanna maybe explain who you are before you die?" Alexi backs away from both. "Oh, I’m not your usual breed of narcissist, sorry."
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:00 PM
"Agh!" I'm still reeling heavily from the bullet. "Why don't you join this team?"
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"Yeah, no. I don’t think I’m gonna do that." Alexi shoots Johnner, which also misses. "Don’t worry, Marco. I’ve got her. You don’t need to waste your time on this girl." Johnner. "What? Scared relying on your faceless goon makes you look incompetent? Trust me, it’s not even in the top 10 reasons." Alexi. "And whatever specific angle of misogyny you’re trying to use on me, it really isn’t helping."
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:08 PM
"What are you talking about?"
3:10 PM
I force myself up to my feet, not wanting to look as bad as Alexi. (edited)
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Alexi is standing up. This has been the case since they backed away. "Seems like she’s sensitive." Johnner shrugs. "Tries coming for the king, but can’t even handle this much. I’m embarrassed to see you. Don’t you have a boyfriend to go home and cry to?" He forces out a sinister sounding laugh. ??? can tell he’s just playing it up. "God, how the hell are you worse than Harriet? Am I doomed to be surrounded by only the worst?" Alexi. "Hey, lady… If everyone you see annoys you so much, maybe you ought to look at less mirrors?" Johnner. "It’d probably help you remember to shoot instead of constantly talking." He shoots at Alexi, grazing their side.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:16 PM
"Uuuuuthghh..." I slump down to the ground. "Help me!"
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((Their side refers to Alexi's))
3:18 PM
((In case you misunderstood))
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:19 PM
((I didn't. Marco is just in pain))
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Alexi ducks behind a trash container. "Newsflash, girl… You’re barking up the wrong tree here. You don’t mess with Jeff Johnner." Johnner. "I’m going to kill myself." Alexi. "Not really a threat in this conversation." He slowly approaches her. (edited)
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:25 PM
"Waaaah...!" I watch.
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Alexi shoved the garbage container at him, and tried to tackle him. Johnner responded by calmly kicking the large container back, trapping Alexi against the wall. "You may not think you’re the usual narcissist, but really… I’d say you’re just more boring than most." He forcefully takes their gun from his hand. "Ow!" Alexi grits her teeth.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:45 PM
"WAAAAAHH! KILL THEM!!"
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Johnner moves over to ??? and lifts them up. "I’ll leave it to her to learn her lesson. You’re… a bigger emergency."
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:52 PM
"Yes!" I breathe a sigh of relief, despite what I was demanding moments ago, and let Johnner lift me. (edited)
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"You really think… I’m going to stop there?" Alexi. "I consider it a recommendation." Johnner.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 3:57 PM
I laugh, which turns to coughing.
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"Unfortunately… I’m pretty stubborn. The day I listen to someone who thinks he knows better than me… Well, it’ll be a pretty cold day in hell." Alexi. "Then I recommend you not send yourself there yet." Johnner. "There’s only one way this ends. With me on top. On top of everything. So to that end, take this." Alexi tosses an active grenade at them.
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Marco Gould 6/3/2023 4:07 PM
"What the hell is that?"
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"Fuck!" Johnner tosses ??? into the garbage container for protection, knocking them out. ??? wakes up handcuffed to a chair, sitting at a table, in an unfamiliar room. Alexi is sitting across from them. ((End session))
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((Saturday))
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((I have to cancel your session sorry))
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((alright))
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((Saturday))
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((Sorry if this session sucks but it's between that or cancelling you the day of the session 2 weeks in a row))
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Alexi looks hurt. His right eye is entirely covered by a bandage, for example.
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"Uuugh..." I stirr awake, pulling and feeling uncomfortably constrained by the handcuffs. "Who are you?"
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"Are you seriously still playing dumb? We’re alone."
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"Where?"
2:07 PM
"I'm not dumb!"
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"Does that really matter?"
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"No! No it doesn’t! Because of you I’m missing an eye now, and I didn’t even get to kill him!"
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"I don't know what you're talking about."
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"Oh my god you’re so infuriating! Kill yourself, I swear to god…" She grips their own forehead in exasperation.
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I stare at her. "I can't."
2:13 PM
((new status))
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"It’s a figure of speech!"
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"It just means I hate you. How fucking (ableist slur) can you get?"
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"Um... I don't care?"
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"Ugh! What the hell is wrong with you?"
2:21 PM
I'm normal.
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"Can you do literally anything except the most annoying option? Are you doing this on purpose?"
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"Stop playing dumb!"
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"I'm not dumb."
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"Then why are you pretending to be?"
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"I'm not."
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"Oh my fucking god, I hate you so much…" (edited)
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"Why do you keep saying the same things?"
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"Why do you keep being a fucking moron? I’m perfectly complex, thank you very much."
2:34 PM
"Can you just untie me?"
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"No! You shot at me!"
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"I don't remember that."
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"You don’t- What?"
2:36 PM
I say this exasperatedly.
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"…Oh. Fuck."
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He takes out his phone and shows it. "Do you recognize this?"
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((the phone itself?))
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((Yes))
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I try to recall what that item would be.
2:46 PM
"...No?"
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She facepalms.
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"Can I go now?"
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"No! Just…" They sigh. "Are you sure you don’t remember anything? Prove it."
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"I don’t know…! That’s your job to figure out!"
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"That's not fair!"
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"You shooting me wasn’t fair either!"
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"Prove it!"
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"I hope you die screaming."
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"That doesn't prove anything."
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"I don’t have to prove myself to you!"
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"I don't have to prove myself to you!"
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"Yes you do, you’re literally tied up!"
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"You are too!"
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"No? What?"
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"This goes beyond amnesia your brain is fucking broken."
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"Prove it."
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"Literally just look at me. I’m not tied up."
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"I'm not tied up either. I'm handcuffed."
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"This is such a stupid game of semantics…"
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"You're stupid."
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"You’re stupid!"
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"No, you're stupid!"
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"You’re a stupid (ableist slur) baby!"
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"You're a stupid (ableist slur) baby!"
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"I bet you’re not even allowed to say that one!"
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"Ha!"
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"...Ha?"
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"I got you."
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"What are you talking about?"
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"I’m talking about the fact I got you."
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"You wouldn’t get it."
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"Because you’re a stupid baby."
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I shake my head.
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"…Ugh. Anyway, tell me what you do remember."
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"I remember... uh..."
3:39 PM
I try to remember the last events before I woke up here, and my own identity. (edited)
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Nothing.
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"How to talk."
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"That’s… Like… Intuitive."
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"At the very least, you don’t remember how conversations work."
3:48 PM
"This is a conversation."
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"But there’s a nuance to them you clearly don’t grasp. I’m like the cool superior asshole, but you can’t figure out half of what I’m saying."
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"I could if I wanted to, actually."
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"So you’re just purposely annoying?"
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"I'm not annoying."
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"Yes you are!"
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I sigh. "Prove it?"
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"Prove- The proof is that you’re annoying me!"
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"By being purposely obtuse!"
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"Nuh-uh."
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"N- What do you mean Nuh-uh? Are you 5 years old?"
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"No. I meant no."
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"I know what it literally means!"
3:57 PM
I sit there and look at her.
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"What’s your name?"
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"I don't know."
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"Have you considered just making one up?"
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"Why would I?"
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"Because names are like… A representation of who we are. Even if no one tells you who you are for you, you just pick out a name you like and that’s how everyone will know you. No one gave me my name either."
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"But I don't have a use for one right now. I just woke up."
4:05 PM
"You can call me..." I delve into my subconscious and try to think of a name. "......"
4:05 PM
"Alexi. Sure."
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"Oh, fuck you. Is that really the best you can do?"
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"Probably not? Does it matter?"
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"Yes, it matters! If you can’t remember who you are, that means you’re supposed to figure it out."
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"Why did you ask me about making up a name if I'm supposed to 'figure it out'?" (edited)
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"Because the past is worthless. If I decide my name is John instead tomorrow, then the name Alexi is worthless."
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"...Okay?"
4:31 PM
"You're not me, anyway, so that doesn't make sense."
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"What? What I'm saying is that figuring out who you are is about deciding it right now."
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"Then do that!"
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"I just did."
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"You can't just steal my name!"
4:47 PM
"I don't know your name!"
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"Alexi! My name is Alexi!"
4:49 PM
"That is a weird coincidence."
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"What are you talking about? You obviously picked it to just to make fun of me!"
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"I did not!"
4:50 PM
"You only just told me what it is."
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"I've definitely told you before."
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"I do not remember that."
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"...Whatever."
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"So can I go?"
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"How do I know you're not just going to run straight back to Johnner?"
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"...I don't know who that is."
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"But he knows who you are. And he could very easily come and kidnap you."
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"Then what?"
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"Then you'll just go back to his side or something!"
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"...Why would that matter?"
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"Because you'll shoot me again!"
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"With a gun, asshole!"
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"I can understand why I would if this is how you treat me."
5:26 PM
"Couldn't you just stop getting in my way?"
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"I treat you like this because you shot me, (ableist slur)! I may be an asshole, but you deserve all of this!"
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"...I won't shoot you again?" (edited)
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"I'm asking you to give me a reason to believe that!"
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"I don't shoot people for no reason."
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"Yes, you do!"
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"That would be a waste of time."
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"Oh my god... How is that your only reason? Don't you understand the concept of sympathy?"
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"I don't know what that is."
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"I can tell."
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"What is it?"
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"It means caring about people who aren't you. I have my faults but at least I understand what that is."
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"This doesn't make anything clearer."
5:54 PM
I sigh.
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"How does it not?"
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"Not caring about you would make me less likely to shoot you."
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"Oh my god, you're insufferable. At least try to comprehend anything I'm saying if you expect me to just let you out!"
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"I am!!! You're just yelling at me again and again!"
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"Because you're the worst!"
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((You might have a session late on Saturday but it depends on other things))
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Harriet speaks from outside of the room. "Alexi?"
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"Hello?" I yell back.
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"What?" Alexi.
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"HELP ME!"
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"...I have the document," Harriet.
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"What document!?"
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Harriet rolls inside. ((Channel switch))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / harriet-and-unknown
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The second they see each other, both lose consciousness. ((End chapter))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:55 PM
Shawn pulls down his phone. Time to go find Maria. First place to look; King Burger
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Shawn has no idea where King Burger is.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:57 PM
Thats what we have the Maps app for
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King Burger is not on any map.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 2:59 PM
The place where Ouroboros was attacked, then. His new resturaunt
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Shawn doesn't know where that is.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:03 PM
Shawn looks up news reports of guy attacked at his resturaunt
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:04 PM
((8))
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Nothing helpful.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:22 PM
Fucked up (edited)
3:22 PM
Shawn heads for the other address
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Shawn arrived at a large house in Shelk.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:45 PM
Shawn rings the doorbell
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There's no response.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:50 PM
Shawn rings again
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There's no response.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:51 PM
Shawn waits a minute and rings again
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No response.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 3:54 PM
Damn. Should I just... break in? I don't want to commit a crime before I even know if shes there
3:55 PM
Shawn has an idea. He radios Howard
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As soon as Shawn puts the earpiece on, he can hear Kite and Howard talking. "Yeah, yeah, I'm almost there... I'm not your goddamn errand boy." Kite. "So called hero can't even save one person without whining the whole way through." Howard. "Hey, you're the cop here! Aren't you supposed to do your job too? Today isn't exactly my best day." Kite. "Take it out on whoever gets in your way, that's none of my concern." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:02 PM
Shawn is paralyzed. He can't do anything
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"Ugh." Kite. The conversation doesn't continue.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:06 PM
I don't think I am like mentally equipt to talk with Kite right now
4:09 PM
Shawn gets off the line and decides to wait a few minutes
4:09 PM
Howard will be availible then
4:09 PM
In the meantime, he sits on the steps of the Stanley residence
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Nothing happens.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:23 PM
After a lot more then a few minutes Shawn calls Howard again
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((It's just an earpiece you put it on and you talk)) (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:24 PM
Whatever
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((I'm saying you have to talk first!!!!!))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:24 PM
"Mr. Scott, are you there?"
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"Beetle?" Howard. "I'm taking this thing off." Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:26 PM
"Kite, wait, I-"
4:26 PM
"Ugh."
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"I thought you left." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:28 PM
"What do you mean?"
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"That's what your 'bro' told me." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:29 PM
"Oh, I- Oh."
4:30 PM
"We've split apart. Or... We've been split apart, I guess. I can't be with Kite right now, as much as I want to."
4:31 PM
"That's... He got the wrong idea from what I told him. I... I don't want this, it's just something I need to do right now."
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"We're kind of in the middle of something. What's the matter?"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:32 PM
"I'm trying to find Ouroboros Stanley. His daughter is one of my classmates, and he apparently kidnapped her. I'm trying to rescue her."
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"Just use the computer at the station."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:33 PM
"I'm in Shelk right now, that's pretty far for me."
4:34 PM
"Am I just... allowed to use that computer whenever?"
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"This doesn't matter. Just get off and let me focus on the other thing."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:37 PM
"Okay"
4:37 PM
"One more thing. If you talk to Kite again, please tell him that the alleyway and his apartment are compromised. And... that I'm sorry."
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"...Don't give me that kind of info."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:44 PM
"I won't ever again, I promise. I just... I can't talk with him right now, but I really need him to hear this."
4:44 PM
"It'll mean the world to me."
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"I don’t play middleman for young drama. I have more important things to keep in mind."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:46 PM
"Please! This is life-or-death stuff!" (edited)
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"Then tell him yourself."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:48 PM
"I- He wouldn't listen to me. He wouldn't trust me."
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"How the hell do you think it’ll sound if I tell him? Or if i tell him you told me? You think that makes a difference?"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:52 PM
"I- I dunno. You're more trustworthy then I am"
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"I’m a cop. Anyone who buys anything I say’s either an idiot or just that desperate."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 4:57 PM
"Well, at least you're honest."
4:58 PM
"I don't know, I'm sorry. I just don't know how else I'm supposed to tell him without him getting upset. But it's really really important!"
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"That’s not my concern. I have much bigger things to keep in mind."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:04 PM
"Please, man. This one thing is all I ask"
5:04 PM
"I'm sure he's going to call you again. When he does, just let him know, alright?" (edited)
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"I can see why he left you."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:07 PM
"I'm taking this thing off."
5:07 PM
Shawn puts away his earpiece. He starts heading towards the police HQ
5:08 PM
"God, hes the worst."
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Shawn arrives at the police station.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:25 PM
Shawn changes quickly before he goes in to his Beetle outfit. He sneaks into the computer room
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:26 PM
((14))
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Shawn sneaks past Ariel May as he heads to the computer room.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:27 PM
What
5:29 PM
okay
5:29 PM
Shawn goes to The Computer Room and ignores the woman he doesnt recognize but has really fucked up looking boobs (edited)
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It’s empty.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:30 PM
Shawn goes to the computer and searches Ouroboros Stanley
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There are some recent incidents around his house, his restaurant, but mostly nothing Shawn doesn’t already know.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/1/2023 5:33 PM
More importantly, any addresses
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There’s an address to the newly reopened King Burger. That’s the only address Shawn doesn’t already know.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:04 PM
Shawn marks that down
2:05 PM
While he's here, Shawn searches some other names adjacent to all of this
2:05 PM
He searches up Jade Lamperouge (edited)
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No results.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:08 PM
Thats really odd... Is she using an alias?
2:08 PM
Shawn searches Lelouch Maoziwam again. Does it mention anything related to a friend she hangs out with
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Lelouch does show up but only in stories about the car crash. Nothing too interesting.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:10 PM
Odd
2:10 PM
Shawn searches the name Eryn and filters for anything related to the Edlightment
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:11 PM
((what the fuck)) (edited)
2:11 PM
((1))
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Nothing.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:11 PM
Shawn searches Carolyn Blythe again for updates on her activity (edited)
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There have been several incidents in her office recently, but nothing more detailed than that.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:13 PM
Anyone involved in them that Shawn recognizes?
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Names are not mentioned.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:15 PM
Shawn searches up Sam Kidink for no reason
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Sam Kidink< is registered as dead.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:15 PM
What
2:15 PM
How did Sam Kidink die?
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This is based off of reports from inside Jeff Johnner's inner circle. His body has not been discovered, but he hasn’t been seen anywhere since last Thursday.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:18 PM
Why would Jeff Johnner have a connection to Sam Kidink? Shawn asks this to himself and looks around the page for any kind of answer
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Sam's mother is a criminal defense attorney. Aside from an incident report about him, Bob Smith, and Sophie Wight, this is all they have on him.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:21 PM
Shawn searches Sophie Wight
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Sophie Wight is the currently comatose daughter of a popular news show host. Not much more about her. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:24 PM
A coma? That's sorta worrying
2:24 PM
Does it list her coma related to any crimes or is it disease-caused or something
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She was seriously injured.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:27 PM
No listed causes?
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None.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:29 PM
Odd. Shawn contemplates getting out of here now, but he has a few more names to search He looks up Sean Niebel
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:32 PM
((13))
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The page on Sean Niebel is a mess. It seems like they can barely tell who Sean Niebel even is. However, Shawn is pretty sure of the validity of the entry stating he was shot and admitted to the hospital last night.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:39 PM
Interesting
2:40 PM
Shawn searches up Grizz Soniaquill
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No results.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:42 PM
Damn
2:42 PM
Shawn searches Shuichi Maoziwam
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Shuichi Maoziwam is involved in so many results it’s hard to comb through them. What specifically is Shawn looking for?
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:44 PM
Mainly things related to Stanley and Niebel
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Shuichi bought Niebel's company from him just under a week ago, leaving him only with King Burger. This is the end of his connection to either of them.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:45 PM
Hm
2:45 PM
Shawn searches up Dana Craig one more time
2:45 PM
For updates on the Mats Rumen case
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No new updates on Dana Craig.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:47 PM
Shawn searches up Ray Elliot
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Nothing new.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:50 PM
Shawn searches Shawn Duveldt
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Almost nothing.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:54 PM
Shawn leaves, and starts heading for the new King Burger location
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Shawn arrives at the new King Burger location. There’s a few people closing up shop.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:57 PM
(Shawn also changed back into his normal outfit to beclear)
2:58 PM
Shawn walks up to a random guy "Is this King Burger?"
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"Yes."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 2:59 PM
"I'm looking for Mr. Stanley. Is he here?" (edited)
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"Oh, no. Mr Niebel got the ownership back and shut it down."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:01 PM
"Already? I thought it was just opened up?"
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"Yeah, it’s a mess."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:04 PM
“Geez, I’m sorry. Good luck on the job search then.”
3:04 PM
“Do you know where I might be able to find him? His office or something. Or maybe Niebel?”
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"Mr Stanley's strangely kind of vanished. We do have Niebel's number, though."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:09 PM
figures, kidnapping someone is a good reason to go off the grid
3:10 PM
“That would be great, thank you.”
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They give Shawn the phone number.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:18 PM
Shawn steps outside and calls it
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Sean answers.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / sean-and-shawn
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((Hi))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:27 PM
I accept the call, and wait for the other person to start talking.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:29 PM
Shawn waits a second, expecting Sean to speak first, and then speaks when he doesn’t “Hello, I’m Shawn. I’m a student at Shelk Memorial High School, and I’ve been trying to find one of my friends, Maria Stanley. I haven’t been able to find her or her father, but I know you’re a buisness associate of him.”
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:31 PM
"How did you get this number?"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:31 PM
“Uh, a worker at King Burger gave it to me? Or… a former worker, I guess”
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:34 PM
"Who?" (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:36 PM
“I don’t know their name, it was some worker. I’m right outside, I can go ask, I guess.”
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:38 PM
"No need. Last time you've seen either Stanley?"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:42 PM
"I've never met her father, but I saw Maria yesterday. She wasn't at school today, thought."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:44 PM
"Can't help you, then."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:45 PM
"Do you know where her father might be? Or like... His office or something?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:46 PM
"Shuichi Maoziwam." I hang up.
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / shawn-duveldt
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:47 PM
"Alright... well..."
3:48 PM
"That wasn't too helpful, but... That's a lead, I guess."
3:49 PM
Where would Shuichi Maoziwam be…
3:54 PM
Well, there’s one place. Shawn’s been there before. Shawn heads to the chapter 5 apartment complex
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Shawn arrives there.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 3:59 PM
Shawn goes to his appartment and rings the doorbell
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No answer.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:01 PM
Shawn rings again
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No answer.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:01 PM
Ugh, hes probably not even here. And Shawn came all this way
4:01 PM
Shawn pulls out his phone and sends another message to Lelouch (edited)
4:03 PM
Damnit. What the hell am I supposed to do now?
4:07 PM
Shawn rings the doorbell one last time
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No answer.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:11 PM
If Lelouch won't answer, I'm out of options.
4:12 PM
I could try to reach him through his company I guess? Then again, what kind of secretary would accept me just saying "I need to talk with your CEO." (edited)
4:17 PM
I could ask Mr. Scott where he is... But he'd just tell me to go back to the police HQ. I'm tired of walking. (edited)
4:20 PM
Shawn heads down to the lobby. There's probably like chairs there or something
4:20 PM
Right now, he just wants to rest
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There are indeed chairs.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:21 PM
Shawn finds a couch and does the sad Keanu Reeves sit
4:23 PM
He was stuck, it looked like
4:23 PM
He couldn't even find Maria, let alone save her
4:24 PM
Shawn did not like Jade, but why did being unable to fufil her requests make him feel so awful? So... empty?
4:24 PM
The mind control, obviously. But... It's more then that.
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Shawn hears a loud bang from the earpiece in his pocket.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:25 PM
Shawn awakens from his weird daze of self hatred and puts the earpiece to his ear
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"What’s going on over there? Kite? Kite?" Howard. No answer.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:26 PM
"Is everything okay? I heard a bang!"
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"Sounds like he got shot. He probably needs your help." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:28 PM
"I- Shit. Where is he?"
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Howard gives an address.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:30 PM
Shawn heads straight there (although he puts his costume on first)
4:30 PM
This could be a trap. This is probably a trap. Scott didn't talk like that normally. But Shawn couldn't risk it. If Kite was in danger, Shawn needed to help him.
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"Officer Kingsley’s there. No matter what… Don’t let him get hurt. He’s far too useful." Howard. Shawn arrived at an abandoned warehouse. There are people in white suits around. Kite seems to have busted open one of the walls, however.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:34 PM
Thats what the sound was, then
4:34 PM
Shawn quickly scans the area to try to get a read on whos here.
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Kingsley is handcuffed in the middle of the room. Next to him, also handcuffed, is another detective. The girl in the white suit is here. She’s following a small trail of blood leading into a backroom. There are about 10 other white suits around.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:45 PM
Why would they try to kidnap Kingsley?
4:45 PM
Are the other white suits fixated on Kite?
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Kite is not visible.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:47 PM
Wait...
4:47 PM
That trail of blood...
4:47 PM
Shawn is going to try to sneak to that backroom
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:49 PM
((3))
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The girl hears him heading in the same direction, and shoots him. This does nothing but draw attention towards him. "You again."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 4:53 PM
"Hey all" (edited)
4:54 PM
"Last time we talked, I asked you get rid of Lelouch for good. I saw her this morning. What happened there?"
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"That’s none of your concern. If you want your friend to stay alive, I recommend you leave right now. We only need the detectives." The girl.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:01 PM
"Is he in the backroom?"
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"It seems so."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:02 PM
"What's that supposed to mean?"
5:02 PM
"Do you like... not know? What?"
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"That’s where he ran. But considering your magic tools and endlessly inconvenient timing, I would not be surprised if he could simply teleport out of here."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:05 PM
Shawn eyes the trail of blood "You shot him?"
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"As I would you too, if I could."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:09 PM
Shawn's wearing a mask, but you can tell he's smiling
5:09 PM
He starts walking over to the room where Kite is
5:10 PM
While walking, he says "if we're going to keep meeting like this, it'd be nice if I could get your name." to The Girl (edited)
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"I would hope this is the end." The girl. "Get Kingsley out of there, too." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:13 PM
"Are you outside? I need someone to get him medical attention." to Howard, quietly (edited)
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"Who are you talking to?" The girl. "You want my help? You get Kingsley out." Howard. Kite is inside the room, clutching his ear. It seems that's where he was shot. "Damn... Why the hell are... Are you here, bro?"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:16 PM
"Hey, bro."
5:17 PM
"You're hit. I'm here to help you."
5:17 PM
(to his earpiece) "How about we both agree to help eachother, sound good?"
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"...What? What did you say?" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:19 PM
Shawn goes inside the room, and talks quietly enough that the white suit guys cant hear him
5:20 PM
Well, first he looks at Kite
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Kite's ear is bleeding. He's fine, otherwise.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:21 PM
"Are you alright?"
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"Huh?" Kite. He doesn't seem to be able to hear properly.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:24 PM
Shawn gets in a lot closer
5:24 PM
"Can you hear me?"
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"Speak up, bro! I can't hear a word you're saying!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/3/2023 5:26 PM
He's totally deaf
5:26 PM
That's really bad
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((Saturday but can you do a makeup session so I don’t have to yell at you))
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"Stop ignoring me! You’re always ignoring me!" He shoves Shawn away.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:33 AM
Shawn points to his ears
10:34 AM
Then does an x shape with his fingers against his mouth
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"Don’t mock me!"
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:35 AM
"Scott, Kite is deaf, I can't communicate with him."
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"Take his crowbar and stop the white suits. We can deal with him when there’s no danger." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:37 AM
"I-"
10:37 AM
"Fine, but I'll need backup."
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"For what? Shouldn’t your magic toys make you unstoppable?" Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:39 AM
"I'm not going to be able to take Kite's crowbar. My suit makes me invincible but I can't actually do any damage."
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"Why can’t you take the crowbar?" Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:42 AM
Shawn looks over at Kite "We're... It's complicated for us right now. If I take it from him, he would fight back against me. That would waste valuable time. I might be able to take it from him, but in the few minutes I'd need, your men could die." (edited)
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"Ha… I get it. You just don’t wanna hurt him, do you? You don’t wanna risk hurting your precious partner’s feelings. Well, listen up. Hesitation costs lives. You cling onto anyone- Anything… And there’ll be consequences. Wanna believe in the power of friendship? You’ll learn your lesson when someone turns around and stabs you in the back. Wanna play lone wolf? You’ll learn your lesson when you need someone watching your back. In every possible instance you believe anything, the world's gonna turn around and tell you 'No. You’re wrong.' Because you will be. The only way to be right is to believe in nothing and no one. You wanna be a hero? You’d best learn that before your partner drags you down to hell with him. The cops won’t fight the white suits head on, especially not for deranged loose cannons like me or Detective James. Same goes for a rookie cop who can’t do anything right. They believed in the force… And now they’ve got nothing. Do you wanna end up like them or do you wanna end up holding the crowbar when it matters? You gotta be a pragmatist about these things." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 10:59 AM
"I- Huh? That makes no sense. If you believe in nothing, why are you a cop? What are you fighting for? Isn't that like the whole point of being a cop? Because you believe in what we have and you want to preserve it?"
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"Don’t just take me for some run of the mill liberal. What we have's far from perfect. Same goes for we don’t have. If there’s some kind of perfect world possible, it isn’t my job to figure it out or care. Half this force couldn’t care less either. Being a cop's got nothing to do with being a worthless ideologue. It’s about the gun… And a free pass to do whatever the hell you want. Pay's not too bad, either. But I’m not the kind of guy for moral posturing. I’m just here to get less people killed." Howard. (edited)
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:18 AM
Shawn scans the room for anything that can be used as a weapon
11:18 AM
aside from the crowbar
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:18 AM
((9))
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Nothing.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:25 AM
Shawn looks out the window of the room to see if theres anything he can grab, like a fire exstinguisher or something
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:26 AM
((18))
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Shawn spots a fire extinguisher.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:27 AM
Shawn motions to Kite that he needs to stay right here
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"What?" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:28 AM
Shawn points at Kite and then points at the ground
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"Huh?" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:34 AM
I'll just... have to sort this out later
11:38 AM
"Howard, I get what you're saying. The power we have puts us above most people, it gives us freedom to do what we want. But I can't just be a mindless killing machine. The things I do... theyre for good."
11:39 AM
Shawn leaves the room and runs for the fire extinguisher. He picks it up and starts attacking the white suits with it
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:40 AM
((5))
11:42 AM
((but like this is a thing shawn is good at...))
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The white suits shoot at Shawn as he attacks them, but this does nothing. Shawn hits none of them. The girl stays away from the fight.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:45 AM
Shawn continues to fight against them, but keeps a careful eye out on anyone trying to enter the room where Kite is
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((Roll))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:47 AM
((17))
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Shawn takes down the white suits. "…Disappointing." The girl raises a gun to Kingsley’s head. "But I don’t have to kill you to get what I want. Drop your weapon right now, or he dies." "You have to stop her!" Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:52 AM
Shawn whispers to his mic "They're all down but one, but she's got your man"
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"What does she want?" Howard. "Are you talking to someone? Hm. So you’ve upgraded from being alone? I’ll have to look into that and deal with them as well. But only if you force me, of course." The girl. "I wouldn’t recommend you do." Kingsley is panicking.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 11:56 AM
They're not any less of monsters then you Shawn drops the fire extinguisher. "What do you want?"
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"I want you to leave us alone. You’ve been endlessly disruptive and you’ve slowed all of us down considerably. If you continue to interfere I will kill everyone you know. And I’ll do it slowly, so all they know for the rest of eternity is that same pain. And it will be your fault. Just let him win once!" The girl.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:06 PM
"Him?"
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"The grandmaster of the New Edlightenment. My father. That’s all you get to know." The girl.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:17 PM
Shawn takes out his earpiece "I put on this mask so that I can do good. And I'll be honest, I'm having a really hard time placing good from bad right now. I'm not interested in disrupting you for the sake of disrupting you, but I will do it if the thing you're working towards is actually bad."
12:17 PM
"We've talked once before. You guys captured Lelouch, who's also terrible. But I don't know the first thing about you"
12:18 PM
"I don't want you to kill these two cops, or Kite. That's all I'm here for."
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"It’s not my place to know right from wrong, either. I told you the last time we met. What I do, I do for love. …Have you ever felt what it’s like to lose that love? To be alone? If you don’t, then there’s simply nothing I can do for you. All I want is to remove these 2 from being my obstacles. The same goes for you and your boyfriend. There is no negotiating with me on this… Because this is all I have. All I could ever hope to want." The girl. "Ah… Well… A lot of people are alone. I don’t think… Most of them jump to murder cults." Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:36 PM
"I'm on the verge of losing my love too. And... I've been alone for a long time, too. I've been where you are, just earlier today. It's the worst I've ever felt. But... I can't just stop this. Just like you can't stop what you're doing. As long as we're both motivated to do things for who we love, we're going to come in conflict. And..." Shawn motions around, pointing out all the men he defeated and the back room where Kite is "That's not good for either of us."
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"Then I guess I’ll just have to make you suffer the consequences." The girl prepares to shoot Kingsley. The detective jumps up from behind her and wraps the handcuffs around her neck, strangling her with it. The girl drops the gun. "There’s nothing I despise more than people who oppose the law solely for reasons as self-serving as love. You abandon even the effort of trying to understand morality. You’re worse than delusional… You’re less than human." The girl lost consciousness, and the detective let her go.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:45 PM
Shawn rushes to take off the handcuffs around the detectives and puts one of them on the girl
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The girl is handcuffed. "Haha… Wow… She could’ve shot me. I’d never have had the courage to do that in your place, detective…" Kingsley. "I know." She picks up the girl's gun and aims it at Shawn. "Hands in the air."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:49 PM
"What are you going to do, shoot me?" Shawn says flippantly (edited)
12:50 PM
"Get to a hospital and get your cop friends to clean these other guys up. I'm taking my friend."
12:51 PM
Shawn puts his earpiece back in. "I got your guys out, now can you get me a medic for Kite?"
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"No, you’re not. You’re an illegal vigilante. You’re under arrest." The detective. "I’m calling one over. Make sure they don’t run again. I need to ask them a question." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:55 PM
Shawn looks over at the lady "Lady, you wanna look around and see what I did to all the other guys here?"
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"I don’t care. I’m doing my job. You can’t intimidate the law." Detective. "Uh… But he’s on our side." Kingsley. "That’s for the courts to decide." Detective.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 12:59 PM
"Listen, lady, I didn't come all this way to save you just for you to try to arrest me. I'm on your side, alright?"
1:00 PM
"Have you read a comic book? It's like that."
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"This isn’t a comic book. This is reality. You can’t simply do whatever you want with no regard for the law." Detective. "He can’t?" Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:04 PM
"So... Would you have prefered I didn't come save you?"
1:04 PM
"If I followed the law to the letter, you'd be dead."
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"It’s a necessary sacrifice if it means upholding the law." Detective. "So noble…" Kingsley was impressed.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:08 PM
"I here you... But I'm not a criminal. I'm a hero, and I'm here to do good. The things I'm doing... Or at least what I'm trying to do... are for the best. And if the law can't adapt to that, then it's the law that's flawed."
1:09 PM
"Isn't the point of the law to try to do good things and prevent bad things? If a law is preventing good from happening, then the law needs to change."
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"You don’t get to decide that! The law is decided by the people over countless years, not by 1 person who thinks he can do better because it serves him now!" Detective.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:11 PM
"You can't just base the law off of what people said a hundred years ago. Times have changed."
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"And the law has as well, but it’s gathered wisdom for far longer than you. It’s built from countless men's ideas of right and wrong. You? You couldn’t even understand the wisdom of 1 man." Detective.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:17 PM
"Listen, I don't have time to be lectured about the law from you. I know right from wrong, alright? Shoot me if you think it'll make you feel better." (edited)
1:17 PM
Shawn starts walking away towards the room where Kite is
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"Put your hands on the air!" Detective. "Beetle! I have a question…" Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:19 PM
"What's up, Kingsley?"
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"Did you see anyone who… Wasn’t wearing a white suit around? Wearing masks." Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:21 PM
"Unless you mean Kite, no."
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“No, I don’t." Kingsley. "Right now, they’re probably busy killing Carolyn Blythe. That’s where I’ll catch them." Detective. "They’re… What? Wait, is that why you told them?" Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:23 PM
"The serial killer? That's probably good then, right?"
1:24 PM
"I thought you law-abiding cops were all about defending her, though."
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"Carolyn Blythe never killed anyone." Her tone is almost robotic as she says this. "She’s been doing that ever since she tried to arrest Carolyn a few days ago… It’s kind of confusing." Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:26 PM
"..."
1:26 PM
"Say, have you two met anyone named Lelouch Maoziwam?"
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"…Yes." Detective. "…I punched her in the face once." Kingsley.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:34 PM
"I've kicked her a couple times."
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Ehn/PC
"…Yes." Detective. "…I punched her in the face once." Kingsley.
Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:34 PM
"I assume that whole Carolyn Blythe thing is cus of her then. If you can't answer me, you don't have to."
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"You could say that." Detective. "How exactly would that work?" Kingsley. "She only cares about doing what’s right."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:37 PM
"I've... had a couple run ins with her."
1:37 PM
"And listen to me, she is by far the most dangerous person I've ever met."
1:38 PM
"Talk about 'the law' all you want, but against her, it's not going to do anything. Hell, I'm struggling against her."
1:38 PM
"But me and my friend are the best chance anyone's got against them."
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"It’s worth following the law anyway." Detective. Sirens become audible.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:41 PM
"What's your name, Detective?"
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"Jessica James."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:45 PM
"I know we're technically enemies and all but... If you ever need help dealing with the stuff she told you, reach out to me."
1:45 PM
"I'm going to go get my friend to the hospital. See ya."
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"No, you’re not. Put your hands in the air." James.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:49 PM
"Shoot me if you want. But I'm on your side."
1:49 PM
Shawn walks over to the place where kite is
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She shoots Shawn, accomplishing nothing. Kite is standing up now, but he seems dizzy.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:52 PM
"Can you hear me?"
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"Speak up!" Kite. "Hands in the air!" James.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 1:57 PM
Shawn pulls out his phone and points at his phone to Kite. He then sends him a text message
"Your ears are damaged, you can't hear me."
(edited)
1:57 PM
"I got a medic for u outside"
(edited)
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"I don’t need your help, bro! Leave me alone! I gotta go be a hero!" Kite tries to punch Shawn, but just falls over instead. "Put your hands in the air or I will shoot!" James.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:01 PM
"You've shot me once, it's been ineffective."
2:01 PM
"If you shoot again you might hit him, and right now he can't hear you."
2:01 PM
"He's innocent in all this, leave him out."
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"He’s a vigilante too." James.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:03 PM
"What i mean is that you can't shoot him for resisting arrest if he can't hear you."
2:03 PM
"He's not able to process you arresting him."
2:04 PM
"Listen, we can deal with this later, can you help me get him to a hospital?"
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"Using a disability as a shield from the law. You disgust me." James. "Enough." Howard walked into the room. "Take your half-assed moral posturing somewhere else. I’ll handle these 2. You just focus on getting that girl in for interrogation." "Detective Scott." She turned around and aimed her gun at him. "Jesus Christ, you’re like a kid." Howard walked over to Shawn, ignoring her. "Good job."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:07 PM
"You'd better hold up your end of the bargin."
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"Which is?" Howard. "Stop ignoring me!" James. "If you want to shoot an unarmed officer not breaking any laws to make some point about how sad it is you don’t matter, be my guest. But I wouldn’t exactly call you smart or consistent if you did." Howard didn’t even look at her. "You’re the only one stupid enough to care about these laws, so go handle them.” "You… Ugh." She left.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:12 PM
"I saved your guys, so you better take care of him."
2:12 PM
"Make sure the hospital doesn't look under his mask or anything."
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"That seems impossible, given the injury is on his head." Howard sighed. "But yes, there’s an ambulance here too." "Stop talking without me!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:19 PM
Kite, I can explain everything later, but right now, the bullet that hit you fucked up your hearing, and you need to go to the hospital ASAP
2:19 PM
Howard can confirm
2:20 PM
"Howard, say something to kite"
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"What?" Howard. "I’m not going to the hospital! I’m gonna be fine!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:23 PM
I don't think its a serious injury, but if you don't treat it, you're going to go deaf permanently
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"Shut up! I don’t need your help!" Kite. "Officer Kingsley!" Howard called out. "What is it?" Kingsley ran to them. He’s no longer handcuffed. "Bring him to the ambulance and sort that out." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:29 PM
It's going to be okay, Kite, calm down. I took care of the bad guys
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"But that’s my job!" Kite.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:32 PM
It is, but you got shot, man! We're supposed to be a team, I'm the one who gets shot, not you
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"And you left me!" Kite goes for another punch and fails. Kingsley helps Kite back up and leads him away.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:33 PM
I'm sorry. I can explain everything
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He doesn’t reply.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:34 PM
I didn't mean what I said back there. You're my best friend, I'd never leave you willingly. I'm sorry for everything
2:35 PM
Shawn doesnt expect Kite to reply
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"You said you were looking for someone earlier, right?" Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:36 PM
"Yeah. Maria Stanley."
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"I’ll look into her for you. In the meantime, you should be there for that cultist's interrogation tomorrow. You’ve run into her more than any of us. You might be able to catch something we couldn’t."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:39 PM
"Honestly, i feel like you might know more about her than me. I barely know her name."
2:39 PM
"But yeah, I can."
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"I’ve got nothing on her name yet, either. But we’ll run her through the system. Something might pop up." Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:41 PM
"Sounds good."
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"…But you won today. You took her down, finally. Kite couldn’t do that alone. You 2 couldn’t do it together either. But you could alone. Are you sure you’re not carrying this team?" Howard.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/13/2023 2:44 PM
"..."
2:46 PM
"I couldn't do this alone. I've had to do that once before, and... Kite is bold and rash and makes stupid decisions a lot but I couldn't do it without him."
2:47 PM
"Besides, the only reason we couldn't do it before was because she took a gun to Kite's head. She did the same thing now, but James managed to fight her off. I'm able to fight well, but I can't deal with hostages at all."
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He sighs. "Every cop’s trained for a hostage negotiation. In theory, you lure the criminal into a false sense of security, tell them they’ll get what they want, and then you turn it around on them. But that’s just stupid. Any criminal smart enough to take a hostage knows they’re not getting out safely. They’ve already got an escape plan. Which means the only time they think they’re safe is before you try to make them safe. You gotta rush in. No hesitation. Because most people? They do have that hesitation. If she were so willing to kill, Kite would’ve been dead long before you got here. She hesitated. You don’t."
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((Saturday))
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:33 PM
"I guess that makes sense. I'm still scared though, what if they fire the gun as a sudden reaction to me rushing at them? When it comes to people I care about, taking risks like that is really intimidating."
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"That’s the problem, kid. You’ve gotta let go."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:35 PM
"How can I? They're the whole reason I do this."
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He sighs. "It’s like I told you earlier. If you do it for anything, you’re just begging for problems."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:38 PM
"I still don't really get that. How... How can you not do it for anything?"
2:39 PM
"If it's just for personal fufilment then... I don't know, why not just play video games?"
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"It’s simple, you see. I do it for me. That’s the same reason anyone does anything. You save Kite because his existence benefits you. Detective James follows the law because it makes her feel good about herself. It doesn’t matter how you phrase it, what you want… At the core of every single human in this world is a selfish heart. The only reason anyone's selfless is because they have to be. A social contract. If you’re a real piece of shit, you wind up alone and hating yourself. That’s why people adopt self-deception and convince themselves they’re right. Doesn’t matter if you’re helping an old lady cross the street, or killing dozens. You trick yourself into thinking it’s for a good cause, but there’s no such thing as someone motivated by anything but greed and selfishness. Once you get that, life goes down a lot easier. That’s what Kite'll probably never understand."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:47 PM
Shawn pauses for a second
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:57 PM
"I don't know if you're wrong. Humans are animals, and animals are fundimentally self interested. And thinking we're that far above animals is silly. But... I don't know, there's good in the concept of doing good, yknow? Like... Even if we're all fundamentally selfish, that's still beautiful on some level. There's still value in protecting that."
2:57 PM
"Maybe it is selfish of me to wear this mask and do what I do, but if my selfish intrests are "Making other people happy and safe." I can live with that."
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He chuckles smugly. "A romanticist, huh? I’d hoped you’d be more logical."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 2:59 PM
"Hah. Kite's the romantic, I'm supposed to be the logical one. But... I think if I didn't have a little bit of that spark in me, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed every morning and put on this mask."
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"When the spark dies, give me a call… If you’re still alive, of course." He sighs. "I’ll see you tomorrow."
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:08 PM
"That sounds like it comes from expirience..."
3:09 PM
"See you, Detective Scott."
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He leaves.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:10 PM
Shawn decides to leave before the police arrive to clean up the scene. He doesn't want to attract more attention to himself
3:10 PM
He sends another message to Lelouch
3:14 PM
He then sends a message to Kite
Kite, I'm really sorry about all of this. I still care a lot about you and I really want to resume our adventures as soon as you've recovered. I'm sorry for everything
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No response.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:19 PM
Didn't expect one
3:19 PM
What time is it
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It’s late evening.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:20 PM
It's been a long, long day. Shawn goes home
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His parents are home.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:35 PM
Shawn tries to avoid them. He’s hungry but he can go to bed hungry. Right now he’d rather not talk
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Shawn makes it to his room.
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Shawn Duveldt 6/17/2023 3:39 PM
Shawn collapses onto his bed. It’s been a long and agonizing day, and Shawn suspects it’ll be the first of many, but just for today, he kept Kite safe
3:40 PM
As Shawn drifts off, he thinks about what Howard told him. Can Shawn really maintain being a superhero while holding onto these emotional connections? Is being a superhero even worth it without them? Shawn doesn’t know for sure
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Shawn falls asleep. ((End chapter))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / sean-niebel
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:52 PM
I hang up. I doubt he'd get anything out of Maoziwam, but it doesn't matter. This child isn't relevant regardless. ((can you confirm i can continue and wont have to retcon any actions with like shawn calling sean again 5 seconds after sean hanged up))
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((You should be fine))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 3:58 PM
Regardless. What should my next course of action be? I check the opening hours of Blythe's office online if such information is available. Also what time is it?
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It should still be open.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:11 PM
How long until it closes? Perhaps waiting until she leaves could be a more viable option.
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About 2 hours.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:17 PM
I go into the building, and head towards her office. If I hear anyone talking from that direction, I will stop earlier. Otherwise, I will continue until I notice that assistant. (edited)
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The office is empty. There are many signs of a struggle, but no one is here.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:27 PM
Did I cause this yesterday? No, it can't be. I might not remember it clearly, but it wasn't this bad. Shouldn't be. Perhaps I should simply leave, then? Not yet, no. I search the office, mostly various papers. I attempt to find anything related to Maoziwam, the dog, that criminal or her current situation. Perhaps even her address? On that note, might she happen to have anything related to her father's crime? That... no, doesn't matter right now.
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((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:30 PM
((19))
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It doesn’t seem like she has any notes on anything in her office. But judging from the room, it’s clear she must usually take notes here.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:40 PM
((
judging from the room, it’s clear she must usually take notes here.
what does this mean))
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((There’s like pens and writing stuff, but the actual notes aren’t here.))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 4:50 PM
Now I certainly have no reason to remain here. On that note, what happened to Ouroboros? He isn't merely ignoring me, it seems. I leave, and drive to Ouroboros's mansion.
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Ouroboros's mansion looks normal when Sean arrives.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:01 PM
I knock on the mansion's door.
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No response.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:03 PM
I open the door, using my keys if it's locked, and go inside.
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This woman is inside. She backs away in a panic. "Who are- ...Sean Niebel?"
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Sean Niebel BOT 6/3/2023 5:09 PM
((is this woman a relatively old woman))
It looks like a relatively old woman. It's hard to gage when she's trying to hide.
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((That's her.)) (edited)
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:10 PM
"Is Ouroboros not here?"
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"No. Someone tried to kill him, apparently. Not that that changed his usual behavior."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:14 PM
"Usual?"
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"He hasn't had a job in 2 decades. You'd think that gave him time to raise his kids properly, but no. He always just does whatever pops into his head at the moment."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:19 PM
"Where is he?"
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"...I don't know. His son might, though."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:20 PM
"Son?"
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"Philip. He was shot yesterday, so my husband couldn't take him."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:25 PM
"Why are you here, then?"
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"Because this is also my home."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:28 PM
So she'd rather stay here than leave with her husband. "Can I talk to Philip?"
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"If I could choose for him, his life would be much better. Unfortunately, even my closest daughter is someone that son of a bitch couldn't help but steal." SHe groans. "He's over at the hospital nearby." She gives a room number.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:34 PM
"Mhm." I leave, and drive to the Hospital Nearby. (edited)
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"Wait..." She calls out to him as he leaves. "I should give you a warning."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:35 PM
"Hm?"
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"There's a girl. A friend of my daughter's. She has this perfume that can make you do things you don't want to do. If she wanted, she could make you kill yourself. And there'd be nothing you could do about it. Watch out for her."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:36 PM
"Who?"
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"Her name is Lelouch."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:37 PM
"Maoziwam?"
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"Possibly."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:48 PM
"Mhm." I leave, and go to the car. So Maoziwam is a part of this. Of course. It was already the most likely option, and now it's clear. What did the dog say? Hating him? If only. I knew it was just an excuse. Why would it help his daughter otherwise? And with what might be the strongest object of all, at that. I drive to the Hospital Nearby, named after the famous pianist Jobert Nearby.
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Sean arrives at the hospital. He’s let into Philip Stanley's room without issue.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:50 PM
"Where is Ouroboros?"
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"...Huh? You want to see my dad?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 5:51 PM
"Mhm."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:09 PM
((i forgot sean does not know what lelouch maoziwam looks like. can we retcon this into happening:)) Before driving to the hospital, I look up Lelouch Maoziwam's appearance online, using terms such as 'Lelouch Maoziwam' or 'Shuichi Maoziwam family'. It's pointless if I can't identify her, after all. Surely a daughter of a person such as him has appeared at least in some photos.
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((Roll))
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:13 PM
((19))
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Sean finds an image of what she looks like. ((Anyway back to the present)) "Are you here to… kill him?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:16 PM
"No."
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"Can you prove that?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:18 PM
"No reason to kill him."
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"Then why do you want to talk to him?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:19 PM
"Business. King Burger."
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"Who are you?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:21 PM
"Niebel."
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"Oh, that Sean Niebel guy?"
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:21 PM
"Mhm."
6:22 PM
What other guy could I be? These questions are just wasting time.
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"Hm… You don’t really look that similar, but okay. I think he was hiding out in some cabin you own."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:23 PM
"Similar to?"
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"To Sean Niebel."
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:31 PM
Is there some old photo that doesn't resemble me? Hm. Regardless, that cabin. Why does he just keep coming up today? I return to the car. No, have I really changed this much over the years? What did I look like in that photo? I look up "Sean Niebel Leading Image".
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The first result is a photo of someone else who isn’t and has never been Sean Niebel.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:37 PM
Huh. So that's the limit how much I'm known, even the first result is completely random. I open the page this photo is from.
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It’s an article about Sean selling LeIBlInc. The image is supposed to depict Sean himself.
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Sean Niebel 6/3/2023 6:42 PM
'Selling.' I'm guessing the content is very loosely based on the reality and the publisher of the article is some no-name yellow press?
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It’s a large and famous newspaper.
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((Saturday))
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It’s a large and famous newspaper.
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:07 PM
Unacceptable. Did Maoziwam get them to do this? As a way to taunt me, knowing I'll find this article at some point. I search for the newspaper's phone number.
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They have a number attached.
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:07 PM
I call them.
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An automated message response answers, giving him the option to talk to various parts of the company depending on his inquiry.
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:13 PM
I use the option to talk to the part of the company related to my inquiry, which is that their article is incorrect.
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An editor picks up. "Hello?"
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:15 PM
"Your article about Leading Image. From [article publication date]. Completely wrong."
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"Do you have a source for this?"
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:17 PM
"I am the source. Sean Niebel. That company's former CEO."
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"Do you have some way to prove that?"
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:20 PM
"Stop asking pointless questions and avoiding the subject. Obviously I do. Who can't prove their identity?"
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"Liars."
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:21 PM
"Get to the point. Who is responsible for that piece and what are you going to do about it?"
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"You haven’t explained why it’s incorrect or proved you are who you say you are."
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:28 PM
((not counting the first image of Completely Different Guy, were there any actual photos of sean niebel in the search results?))
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((There are some real pictures of him mixed in with the wrong ones))
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:36 PM
"How do you expect any proof through a phone call? I can come to your office, show you any ID, any proof I worked there. The photo of that 'Sean Niebel' in your article isn't me. Just look it up."
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"Is that all?"
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:41 PM
"Is what all? I can come to your office, even in [time needed to get there], if you want. Stop avoiding this."
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"Is the photo your only issue?"
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:43 PM
((how much of the article is wrong except for the photo.))
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((It’s fairly accurate aside from the photo and claim that Sean sold willingly))
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:47 PM
"It claims I quit willingly. Other than that, it's decent."
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"Alright. I’ll pass the message forward."
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:52 PM
"How long do you expect until they fix it?"
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"Shouldn’t take more than a few hours."
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 2:56 PM
"Mhm. Call me back once it's done." Right. Before I hang up, I ask, to know whose fault it is if it's not fixed. "Your name?"
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They give a name. It’s not an important one.
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Sean Niebel 6/10/2023 3:00 PM
Yes, it is not an important one. I note it down regardless, and hang up.
3:05 PM
Regardless. That cabin. Hm. Perhaps it would be better to send someone else? Carl could... No, optimally I should do it myself. I drive there.
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As Sean arrives, midnight passes. ((End chapter))
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Advehnt Guard
Other Town / sam-kidink
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Sam Kidink wakes up in the guest bed the next morning.
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Sam gets up and starts to walk around the room a little. Well, I know what I need to do now. This is quite strange, actually. Things... aren't fine, are they? I have to resolve something, whatever it is. Me approaching things from the perspective of doing anything instead of just having fun is unfortunate, and maybe doesn't make so much sense either. Things probably could've been different, but it's not like yesterday at least wasn't an inevitable result. Despite with Autumn says, it's not easy to enjoy all of this anymore after all. I guess there's one thing I'm good at trying... Anyway, I should just go. I said I'd leave early, so that's what will happen. Sam goes to the kitchen.
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The Petersons are eating breakfast.
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Is the front door closed?
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Technically speaking, the correct move would be to try and run out of here, as that was my intention. I somehow doubt I could do that without being noticed though, considering the door is closed. You know what? Sure, I want to hear what the Petersons have to say, and it's not like this is a less interesting result. Surely they had to have talked to Naomi at some point? Let's see how much things really are 'fine'. "Hey." He just says this, but not directed at anyone in particular in the room.
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"Good morning, S-" Autumn cuts herself off. No one else notices.
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Well, she only has herself to blame if she messes up. It's not like there's a huge problem if I get called that. There are a billion people named Sam in the world. Maybe it was a nickname I used among my friends in the past? Me, Alex, of course? Or perhaps it's my middle name? Even if people knew my last name, it's not like it isn't already pointlessly contrived. In the end, I can think of a few possibilities. In theory, if I didn't already know the answer, those would be some options available to me. "Good morning."
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"Did you sleep well?" Autumn.
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I briefly thought I might not have said my name to her before, which could've been true and would've made this whole deal understandable. However, that's impossible - she should know. Ashley has to have mentioned me to her at least once. Well, anyway, I'll see how 'perfect' she does going forward, as I thought earlier. "I'd say I'm doing okay. Better than before. How about you?"
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"I slept perfectly well. Thank you." She smiled politely as usual.
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"Glad to hear that." Today's Friday, isn't it? There's likely still school today, but maybe I could ask some questions anyway. ...In a way, didn't I end up here today? Well, this isn't worth thinking about.
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"Could I speak to you in private?"
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"Of course." I was going to ask anyway, because there's at least one thing I should figure out...
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She walks into her room.
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Sam follows. "So, what is it?" Probably not a question, that's for sure.
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"So, I understand you're probably worried about your mother coming back. But don't worry, I've figured out how to make sure you're out of her sight even when I'm busy."
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"...To an extent, though I've been doing planning of my own around that." Whether she cares or not to come back, at least. It's much less risky for me to do what I can on my end. "Still, I'm sure you're looking for a chance to help. Go on."
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"You should come to school with us, today. You look young enough to fit in with us."
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I can think of a few problems with this, but I certainly don't mind playing along. Ashley will likely be there. It's also possible Thomas will stop by at some point. "An interesting idea for sure. I guess I've been there before. ...But what do you suppose I should do while I'm there?"
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"Just sit in class with us and don't draw attention to yourself."
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"Wouldn't there be questions if a new student no one's seen before just walks in?"
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"No one doubts anything I do. That's the appeal of popularity."
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"Fascinating." He makes a vague expression between thinking and fake surprise. Is that so? I never really paid attention to that in class. It's the sort of nonsense school dynamic I imagine would be the case, with all the things students tended to do back at Belto Shelk Memorial High School, but I imagine it's worse in this town where a lot of people probably know each other. That could be something to watch... Well, no, I have to prioritize my safety. He resumes his neutral expression and neutral questions. "What about the opposite? Don't you think at least one random student there has seen the picture of me before? ...Actually, I imagine your answer to that is the same." "...Anyway, tomorrow's a Saturday. What do you suppose happens then?"
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"Then I'll have all of my time free to help you stay safe."
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"And you really want to go through all of that effort? Don't you have better things to do? I'm the one with time on my hands." You should hang out with Ashley, that seems reasonable to me. Or, I don't know, other 'good' things or whatever. "...Don't get the wrong idea. I'll go today, sure. I'm just saying, you should enjoy your free time sometimes. Do something in the greater scope of things, if you will."
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"What are you talking about? This is the greater scope of things. There's nothing greater than helping people."
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"I'm saying that putting all your effort into helping one person may amount to less than helping different people. Or changes on a different scale than a single person."
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"Who do you think you are? A philosopher?"
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"Not at all. I guess you could consider this one way I tend to try and help. Not that you would need it, but I was told to make an effort."
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"Well, it's a bad effort."
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"..." "...We'll see about that. Or I was looking for an interesting response. Anyway, I imagine classes are starting soon."
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"Indeed they are." She leaves the room.
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Sam pauses for a little bit. Okay, I don't expect I'd be able to get through to her on anything, considering she's not trying to be helped by anyone. But I did want to hear the answer nonetheless. Guess I can't expect too many interesting responses in the future, though I guess I didn't expect much in the first place. He catches up to Autumn. "By the way, where's Ashley's house? I never actually figured that out."
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She gives the address.
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"Okay." It's more interesting for me to go than not. It's not like I'm going to be stuck there for more than a day for the time being, anyway. I'm perfectly willing to blend in as always. However, if I end up being a target, one of two things could happen. Either I get put under pressure. That's fine, I don't have to keep coming back. Otherwise, in the worse case, I could be identified fairly quickly. In that case, I'll just leave and find my way back to the forest eventually, it's not like anyone had a particular need to know me anyway. What will happen next? Will it be some nonsense school drama, or something more? Maybe another incident like what happened with Thomas showed up last time? ...After all this, I'm not sure if I'm hoping for that or not. Which is annoying, so maybe I should just ignore that. Time will tell, maybe. Sam has nothing else to say or think about as they go to the school which he doesn't know the name of.
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They arrived at school. ((End session))
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((Saturday))
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They arrived at school.
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((Saturday))
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They arrived at school.
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((Saturday))
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They arrived at school.
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:12 PM
((I can be active for like 30 MINUTES which probably enough time for like one message. riveting)) Sam looks around at the various people walking around. Maybe it's similar to back at his "actual" school, maybe there are less people, who knows. Maybe it's different after all. Should I perhaps pay attention to what's going on? Try to figure out how different things are here, if they are. That's what I said I'd do. He vaguely tries to listen in on some conversation while they're walking, but doesn't actually approach anyone.
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People are staring at Sam suspiciously. Autumn doesn’t seem to notice.
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:21 PM
From what I can tell, this supports the idea that people could probably identify me fairly quickly. I mean, it wasn't unexpected. Or I'm just paranoid? Probably not. The whole idea of a tracking device was one thing, but social situations like this... any number of possibilities could lead to me getting caught. Especially if the teacher recognizes me. Or if word spread faster than I knew, or Autumn just decided to tell people about all of this yesterday - cases like that would easily get me caught... ...It's difficult to believe Autumn is just going along with this. Does she have some other plan in mind, or is it really for Ashley or something? Maybe I'm just not willing to change my earlier impressions enough... Speaking of which, Ashley and Aura are bound to show up, right? I should figure out what I should do then, even if Ashley at least probably won't say anything considering what I know. He decides to stop trying to pay attention and just vaguely stares at the floor while they're walking.
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"What’s wrong?" Autumn.
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:24 PM
"Huh? I'm just thinking to myself. I tend to get a lot of my thoughts together while walking."
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"You should probably look where you walk instead."
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:28 PM
"Fair enough." He decides to, in fact, look where he is walking. Seriously, that's really not a big deal, is it? I'm not trying to maintain some ideal order to everything. I've had more than my fair share of school days where I just tune out everything else. I guess I'm just hoping to see if anything different will happen here, whether because of my circumstances here or something else. Unfortunately, figuring that out is hard to prioritize over making sure I don't cause problems, if only because that's the situation I've been forced into.
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People continue to stare at Sam as she leads him into class.
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:33 PM
The idea of me getting my cover blown within my first hour here aside, the other main possible explanations are that people just know that I don't go to this school or don't get why I've been talking to Autumn. In either case, I'll have to introduce myself. None of those are particularly interesting, but school rules are school rules, I suppose. As it comes to myself, I just have to get through things... "...Should I just stand here and wait for the teacher to come? I figure there's no point in me taking someone's seat." He asks Autumn after they enter. (edited)
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"No, you sit next to me. I have to keep my eye on you."
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Sam Kidink 5/6/2023 2:36 PM
"What about the person who's supposed to be there? I doubt it will be much of an issue for me to wait until something happens."
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"It’ll be fine! We don’t have arranged seats anyway."
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((Saturday))
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"It’ll be fine! We don’t have arranged seats anyway."
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"Really? How do the teachers here keep track of anything?" I had classes like that, but everyone just tended to sit in their own little groups as usual. In that sense, arranged seats are better if you happen to just want to get through school. "Well, fine. Not the most important question ever." He takes a seat.
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She sits down next to him. "Don’t underestimate the hard work of teachers."
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"...Well, how do I put it? Some teachers clearly do more than others, and all the same, I respect some teachers more than others. I suppose we'll see what happens."
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"My parents care for this town carefully, so the town cares for us back. Everyone here is perfect like that." (edited)
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"That's nice, I figure they're able to do a lot in their position. Do they have any involvement in benefitting this school?"
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"…No."
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Huh. Part of me was actually expecting a connection. "Well, I'm sure it's not an issue." "...How do classes usually go here?"
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"We sit and we listen."
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"Works for me. Can't say I'm a fan of people doing otherwise. Ever had to deal with people like that?"
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"Yes, of course I have. In fact, she’s right there." Autumn turned to Aura, who was entering the classroom.
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"I see." ...Okay, as much as I understand more about the situation now, she might have a point there. "..." He waits to see if Aura or Autumn will say anything to each other or to him.
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Aura sits down without saying anything.
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...Maybe it's better to leave her be. I would ask, but... That hasn't always led to anything useful on my end, has it? "So, I take it you know most of the people in this class?" Addressed to Autumn.
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"Oh, all of them. They're all fans of mine, in a sense."
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"...Everyone?"
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"Of course. I'm a very popular person. Would you like to be one of my fans?"
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"Oh, I was wondering about Aura, actually." He does not directly answer her question.
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Her smile falters. "...No. Aura isn't one of my fans. But who wants her, anyway?"
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"...Ashley? She is in this class, right?" "Though, to answer your earlier question, sure, otherwise I wouldn't be asking any of this in the first place. I'm interested in hearing what you have to say."
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She smiles brightly. "I'm glad to hear it! It's always nice to have my efforts appreciated."
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This was probably the right choice. The answer to my actual question likely wouldn't have been useful considering what's happened in the past. I'm sure I know it anyway. "Is there anyone else I should know in this class?"
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"Well, me and Ashley are the only ones that should matter to you in the first place."
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"What, in this class? I guess you could say that."
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"You don’t have to guess, because I did say that."
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"Oh, I was implying this was the case beforehand."
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“Well, we’re not beforehand, are we?"
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"Depends on the timeframe."
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"Are you just trying to be difficult?"
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"No?"
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"Then listen to what I’m saying instead of arguing about nothing."
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"I don't think this was an argument, but sure."
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"Do you have to argue every time you agree to end a conversation?"
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"No." This is starting to become a waste of time, as drawn out discussions tend to be. Of course, by saying this, I am technically disagreeing. Anyway...
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The teacher enters.
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Sam figures that it is the right call to stay silent at least until something happens.
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The teacher begins the lesson. "Where is Ashley?" Autumn. (edited)
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That's a good question. I figured she might be just a little late or something, but this is starting to not make sense. Has she just not been around for more than a day? On the other hand, I'm very surprised I haven't been called out. Could be a better lesson, but better than the last class I paid attention to. He's not sure if Autumn was addressing him or the teacher, but if not, he stays silent.
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((End session))
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((Saturday))
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"Devtamura (or Debtamura) is a hill range in South Tripura district of Tripura, India. It is known for an archaeological site of rock sculptures, a panel of carved images of Hindu deities of Durga, Ganesha and Kartikeya on the bank of Gomati River.[1] The stone images are estimated to have curved during the 15/16th century.[2] Geography Devtamura is 85 kilometres (53 mi) in length and is situated at an altitude of 229 metres (751 ft) above sea level.[3] It is situated in between Udaipur and Amarpur.[4] Damburu Falls commences at the top of Devtamura, continuing through a series of terraces.[3] The approach to the site is only by boat a three-hour journey from Amarpur to Udaipur to the forest area of the site; the total distance of travel from Agartala is 75 km[5] Archaeological site A carving at Chabimura Chabimura, the archaeological site at Devtamura, dates to the fifteenth or sixteenth centuries.[3] The site includes colossal carvings of the image of Devi Chakrakma.[6] The purpose of the carvings, and the artists who carved them are unknown.[7] The statues are carved on the steep sloping rock exposures of the Kalajhari Hills which drains into the Gomti River. There are in all 37 rock cut images which also include images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Mahishasuramardini, Durga and many others.[5] Each year in mid-January, a fair occurs at the third terrace from the top of the falls, at a time when local tribal members take a holy bath in Gomati River.[3]"
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(( @Sam Kidink/span> are you here?))
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((sorry some dumb nonsense happened irl. when do you need me to show up I can be here in anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour @Ehn/PC)) (edited)
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((As soon as possible))
👍 1
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From just paying attention a little bit... oh no. It's the same as it was back there. Almost. Is every class like this? At some point, I'm just going to get bored. Wait, I just remembered that I asked for this. I wanted to figure out what was going on here. So actually, it is very interesting that this is similar to my previous class because it is an entirely unrelated class. I wonder what underlying factors are behind this? Anyway, I'm not going to bother taking notes this time. Not that they served me particularly well in the first place. Who knows how long I'll even be here. The only thing I remember out of Indian history was that cycle of life and death thing. That was a little interesting as a concept... Okay, seriously, how has no one asked who I am yet? Or to introduce me? Or anything else like that? Do they just not do that here? More importantly, where's Ashley? It's definitely been a bit by now. I said I was waiting for her to show up, but it'd be hard to talk in this setting. I may have to go out into the schoolyard or something. Probably not immediately, just because of how bad people tend to take that; I'm not here to cause problems. But maybe at lunch or something. Sam does practically nothing. (edited)
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Ashley walks into the class.
4:26 PM
(( #ashley-and-sam ))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Other Town / ashley-and-sam
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:34 PM
He shows the slightest amount of surprise before reverting to usual, but he's mostly just tired. He waits for a little bit before addressing her, but attempting to be quiet in doing so. "Hi. ...Glad to see you're here." He gestures for her to come closer to where he is sitting, and takes out his notebook from his backpack, one of the few usable items he still has on him, to try and write something.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 4:35 PM
So he does go to our school after all. Well, I don't know what I expected, but thank goodness I don't have to search around any longer. I'll tell him, and then I'll settle back into class without causing any trouble. Without missing a beat, Ashley nods and walks up to Sam. "I have to tell you something," she mumbles.
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"Hi, Ashley. You’re late." Autumn.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:39 PM
Sam tries to write a note and passes it to her: I can explain what I'm doing here at some point. I'm sure you have some questions for me. Meet in the schoolyard when possible. If you want to tell Autumn, that's fine, but that's up to you. He waits for what she has to say afterwards.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 4:43 PM
She gives a silent thumbs up and then leans over to whisper in his ear. "Your mother's come back, and she's convinced you're somewhere in town this time. I saw her guys around today, and they're almost certainly going to find you if you don't pick a really good hiding place, fast."
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"Are you ignoring me?" Autumn.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:44 PM
"You should address Autumn." He looks at Ashley, nods, and provides completely unrelated input. (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 4:45 PM
She perks up at this. "N-No, sorry! Hi, I'm sorry I'm late… I was just, um, a little surprised to see him here…"
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"I told him to come." Autumn. Aura waves to Ashley.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:47 PM
"...It's fine. Thanks, Autumn." Sam elects not to say much this time around.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 4:49 PM
"Should I just, uh…" She makes an awkward vague gesture attempting to express uncertainty over where to sit while not responding to Aura's waving.
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"You could ask Aura to give you her seat." Autumn.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:51 PM
"You can sit down wherever. Up to you. Or that, I suppose."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 4:54 PM
"Well, I was the one who came late, so it'd be unfair to make someone else give up their seat when they were on time, right? Maybe I could…" She trails off, looking towards the teacher to see if they've noticed her arrival yet.
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They have but they don't seem to care. They're talking about a hill range in India for some reason.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 4:56 PM
"You could ask the teacher if you wanted, I suppose, but I don't know if the teacher is paying attention." Typical of teachers, really. I suppose I was the one who was right in this case. "Are there empty seats?" Sam looks around, as he hasn't actually bothered to figure this out yet. (edited)
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There are no available seats.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:00 PM
"I-I can just stand here, then. I don't really mind or anything."
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"Sounds like you've solved it. Good job."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:01 PM
"Doesn't look like it. I would ask the teacher in this case- or, sure, I guess that works." I would probably never bother to actually ask the teacher myself, but I'm trying to help here. Though, I was always made to show up on time in the first place...
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:09 PM
I wonder what I'll do now. If they're really going to be here. Why does she care this much, right here, now of all times?! And how did they figure out? Was it Thomas' parents? ...Do I just give up eventually? I've thought that many times recently. I wonder what happened to make me start thinking this way. ...No, I have to figure out something. Giving up would be boring. If it's possible I can't go too far, I may just have to hang around inside the school. Which might be fine for now, but... I'll have to see, I guess. Instead of going out to the schoolyard, I should wait at the entrance to it.
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Classes end uneventfully.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:18 PM
Sam sighs and gets up, preparing to leave the classroom unless stopped.
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Autumn gets up as well.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:20 PM
Ashley does the same.
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Aura approaches Ashley quickly.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:22 PM
"Hey, Autumn. Is it okay if I hang around the school a little while longer? I want to check some things."
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"Of course. I'll show you around."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:24 PM
"It's fine. It sort of ruins the fun of it when you're just being guided everywhere."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:25 PM
Now of all times? I guess I can just tell her I'm busy with other things. Ashley turns to Aura, but not before calling to the other two: "Can you guys wait for me for a minute? I had things I wanted to talk to the both of you about, so..."
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"I still have to make sure nothing goes wrong." Autumn does not respond to Ashley. "Heya, bestie!" Aura.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:29 PM
"Okay." He responds to both Autumn and Ashley by simply waiting in the classroom.
💪 3
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:32 PM
"Hey, Aura! Look, I'm kinda busy right now, so I'm gonna have to go in like a minute, but what's up?"
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"Oh, nyever mind then... I don't wanna bother you!" Aura.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:35 PM
"...Oh. Okay. Talk later then!" Ashley turns to Sam. "So, you wanna go now?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:38 PM
Sam starts walking around and very seriously investigates parts of the classroom. "Hey, this desk arrangement is quite interesting. At my last school, it definitely wasn't like this. No wonder I was confused about the seating earlier." He responds to Ashley. "Sure. Though, actually, if you want to stay here and think that makes more sense, then that's fine too. I was thinking about staying here and just waiting for people to clear out. Either works."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:44 PM
"Uh… well…" I can't stick around here if it means being around Aura. I need to be able to tell Autumn what's going on with her without getting her all riled up about it. "I think the place you mentioned before is better for me, really. Nicer there than just standing around in a boring ol' classroom."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:46 PM
"Fair enough, though... I'll stay inside, even if we go to that general area." He leaves this time and heads to the entrance to the schoolyard, but doesn't actually go outside.
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Autumn goes with him.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:48 PM
Sam does not try to stop her from doing this.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:50 PM
Ashley goes with the two of them yup.
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2 men with suits enter the school in front of them. They're clearly not from around here. Autumn quickly drags Sam into a broom closet.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 5:53 PM
"Okay, here we are. There's a lot to talk about, I'm s-" He stays quiet after that and waits.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 5:59 PM
Ashley shoves herself through the door of the broom closet after the two of them. (edited)
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Autumn holds the door closed behind them.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 6:27 PM
Sam just does nothing and starts thinking to himself, but not particularly pensive at all, only thinking. He waits to see if either of the other two will say anything first.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 6:30 PM
Ashley starts whispering to him again. "Hey, mind giving me your number, actually? Especially with all this going on, it'd be nice if we weren't only able to talk face-to-face." She pulls out her phone expectantly.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 6:32 PM
"...That would be good, but my phone broke. Unless you want to call my parents." He whispers back.
6:33 PM
"Let's just say I got in a crash which should've killed me. That's the gist of it."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 6:56 PM
Her gaze uncomfortably turns downwards at this. "Oh. I'm… sorry." I was going to ask him about the 'evil' thing Ehn was saying he did, but… well, feels like a bad time to do that now. …Actually, wait! Ehn! That's what I was going to ask about before! "In that case, there's another thing I wanted to ask. Have you… um… have you ever seen…" She blushes a little, self-conscious about getting the words out. "It's this little white furry animal that kind of looks like a cat, except it can talk, and it calls itself 'Ehn'? It gives people superpowers and stuff, and, uh, yeah…" She looks away again, embarrassed by the ridiculousness of her question.
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"Ashley… What are you talking about? This really isn’t the time to discuss your strange dreams."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 7:02 PM
"Not the way I would phrase it. I would go for a more cryptic type of response, the type which makes it sound ridiculous to anyone else who happens to be watching, but has a hidden truth. That's much more interesting." So I was right. Finally. Evidence that Ehn has been around here, likely causing problems... is it possible she's the reason they're here again? It's at least more likely now. I wonder if Ashley has any idea how helpful this is. "...But I guess now isn't the time for that. I have to repay the favor, and it's not like Autumn will get much out of knowing this, so I won't be indirect." "Yes, you're right. Such an animal does exist. I'm not surprised someone here knows. Knows about the cause of at least half my problems, and someone who is no doubt out to get me now." He is a little uneasy. "...And she's certainly no cat."
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"Sam, please don’t encourage this."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 7:04 PM
"...I'm sorry, Autumn, but this actually happened. I've already tried to tell at least one other person of any of this, and he called me insane, so it's fine if you don't get it, but... When it comes to this, I'm just tired. Please let this conversation play out for now, at least."
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She sighed. "I expected better from you of all people."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 7:05 PM
"So did I. I expected better of myself."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 7:10 PM
Ashley winces at Sam confronting her so directly. "Autumn, it wasn't a dream. It's just a character from a video game a lot of people like playing, so I wanted to know if he'd get it. Isn't it normal to try to find common interests to talk about with friends?"
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"We don’t make friends like that, especially not at a time like this. Friendship is about people helping each other. Getting close to people through common interests is just called an echochamber." She turns to Sam expectantly. "Don’t you agree, Sam?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 7:16 PM
"I agree with the premise, but I think understanding is a form of help in itself. If we understand each others' situations better, game or otherwise, then that will make it easier to help in the future."
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"How is understanding a game helpful here at all?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 7:22 PM
"Well, from the looks of it, Ashley is bound to talk about this more. Have you read works of fiction in the past? Sometimes, the mysteries, methods, and motives involved correlate very closely to real life occurrences. There are things to learn in many cases. Otherwise it'd be much less interesting. It's sort of like that." "Oh, but I still think this was real. I'm just answering what you asked."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 7:35 PM
"Yeah! And anyways, I don't think helping others and having casual conversation are mutually exclusive. I still want to help Sam however I can, but in a situation like this where we can't really do much for the time being other than wait, is it so bad to find something to pass the time with?"
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"…Fine." She sighs disappointedly.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 7:59 PM
"Thank you…! I promise I'll do my best to help him, so don't worry about that!" She smiles sheepishly before turning back to Sam. "So… what's happened with Ehn in your game? For me, I'm stuck trying to figure out a way to break its control over people. This morning, it… took over my- my character's body as a 'favor' for the power it gave me, and… made me do something to hurt someone else." Despite her efforts, she can't hide the shame on her face saying this. "And it kept talking about how it'd force other people to return those 'favors', too. I… I'm trying to find a way to stop that from happening. I can't relax knowing it could take over me or anyone else now." (edited)
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"I think you need significantly better taste in video games."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 8:11 PM
Do I really have to play along with this? Everything is real. I'm sure she realizes that, but is she framing everything this way because of Autumn, or of her own volition? ...Fine, I'll go with it. It's good to know she's at least not on Ehn's side. That could've been much worse and would've required much more effort to explain. But taking over other people? That's new to me. I should really watch out in that case. Imagine, she could be causing problems under the guise of others... Quite interesting, I must admit, but much too dangerous for me. Who can I even trust? ...Does it even matter? "That all sounds correct. Well, I tried to distance myself from everything. You could say I tried to move on from the game, but clearly I'm not being allowed to escape it. It's all quite annoying." "I had a couple of 'favors' assigned to me, and all of them were quite ridiculous. I tried to bail out much earlier, though. In my last task... I did everything I could. But once it became clear that it was impossible, I could do nothing but leave and run away. ...This is the real nature of those requests. 'Returning the favor?' It sure would be nice if that was at all reasonable. I'm sorry you've been roped into this. Maybe it's my fault for coming here in the first place, but I wonder often if there was a better solution. Who knows, really?"
8:13 PM
"Nothing but problems. That's the result of all this." He whispers this in the sharpest way possible.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 8:27 PM
"So you could choose to back out…? And if you had to do more than one favor for that thing, does that mean you have a bunch of powers too? It told me there was only one request it could ask for per ability, but I figured it might be lying."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 8:31 PM
"No and no. I tried to back out by running away. And now she's back here, I guess. I only got one ability, and I didn't even want it in the first place, and it wasn't even good, and... I could go on and on about how dumb that was."
8:34 PM
"Perhaps I technically only had one request beforehand. Then I was told to go do some ridiculous missions with no coherence at all. I almost wish I could say this to her directly. Who knows, maybe she's listening right now! Not that it matters much at this point."
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"How could a video game character be listening?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 8:43 PM
"I don't know. Through a phone or something? I could speculate, but as I said, I don't know."
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"Why are you playing a game that leaves you with such an irrational fear? There's no situation where this would help you."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 9:12 PM
"I guess it is pretty realistic...?" The excuse comes out awkwardly. "You know, we probably do need better taste, haha. Just so easy to go along with what everyone else is playing, I guess." (edited)
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 9:13 PM
"Well, it's as I said. I stopped."
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Autumn looks at Ashley with thinly concealed disgust.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 9:54 PM
That went pretty terribly. But it does give me a lot more to work with than before. I should probably stop the conversation about it before she starts thinking of me as even more of a weirdo… In any case, there'll probably be time to talk this through with Sam later on, and this is enough for now that I don't need to push any further. As annoying as he can be sometimes, maybe if we keep working together on this, we can find out how to stop that Ehn thing from ruining both our lives. God, it's so fucking insane that I'm even worrying about something like this. There's no way this isn't all still some massive hallucination, is there? It's not like I needed superpowers to help anyone in the first place, especially not fucking INVISIBILITY. If I can just get Aura away from her shitty family and go back to making the world a better place like normal, that's enough for me. If all of this is about that jacket, maybe it'd be better if I… Well, I should probably keep it around until the whole Aura situation blows over, at least. If it comes to that, there'd be nothing more helpful if I needed to resolve things by force. I wonder if Sam's power is tied to a physical item too… Right, ask about that later. I should be focusing on the problems I want solved right now, not on all these extra details. "We can probably stop talking about it now anyways. Sorry if we annoyed you, Autumn." Ashley tries to shrug it off embarrassedly. "Why did you tell Sam to come here today, anyway?"
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"So I could watch over him, in case they returned. And they have, so my efforts were warranted."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 9:57 PM
"...You were right, yes. Admittedly, I often genuinely wonder why either of you are going through all this effort, but I appreciate it in any case."
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"Because I’m a good person. What more reason would there need to be?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:00 PM
"..." He doesn't respond and waits to see if Ashley will answer.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 10:10 PM
"Autumn's right. I want to be a good person too, and there's no way I could be if I abandoned someone who needed my help! Especially not if it's someone who Autumn's friends with." She turns to Autumn. "Great thinking, by the way."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:12 PM
"Well, alright. ...Thanks. In any case, it's ironic that Autumn told me to come here. Staying right here right now might be the safest option for me."
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"Hm… I’d rather we didn’t spend all day in this tight space, though. It’s quite uncomfortable. It almost feels like some childish romance fantasy."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:17 PM
"Fair! Want me to leave in that case?" I considered saying that, but I'm not one for meaningless tropes either. "Well, I doubt there will be issues if either of you two leave at some point. This is just on me, right?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 10:20 PM
"O-Oh, uh, I guess… I mean, I really didn't mind, but if it's an issue for you, I can leave the next chance I get… I did have one other thing I wanted to talk about, though."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:22 PM
"There aren't really issues, it's just a question of if better options exist."
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"Hm… At this rate, you probably can’t stay at our house tonight." She considers things for a moment. "These lawyers are really being an inconvenience, how typical."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:27 PM
"Agreed. Lawyers... do tend to be quite inconvenient." "I tend to go to the forest most of the time, but it's probably not worth it for me to try and get there right now."
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"People in this town owe me a lot of favours. I could probably find somewhere safe for you through them."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:32 PM
Part of me doubts this, but that's not the main issue... "Maybe, but it matters less than how I'm going to get out of the school without being noticed."
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"If we wait long enough, they’ll have to leave eventually."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:40 PM
"I wonder about that. ...Well, most likely."
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"How should we pass the time, then?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:43 PM
"I don't know. I've gotten quite used to waiting and doing nothing, but I don't find it particularly exciting. Do either of you have any ideas?"
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"I usually just help people to pass the time, but there’s no one to help right now."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 10:46 PM
Should I let him use the jacket? She might get mad at me for having hidden it from her… but it'd be an easier way to get him out of here than just waiting around. There's no telling if it'd even work on someone other than me, anyways, so it could just end up making me look even weirder to her… Besides, I definitely don't want to risk having Ehn force him into something because I let him borrow that power. It'd probably be better to just leave it to Autumn for now. "There is someone I wanted to ask you about helping, actually…"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 10:47 PM
"Go ahead. I've met quite a few people."
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"What is it?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 10:59 PM
"Back when I was at the Nielsens' house before— you know, back when my parents made me go over there for dinner— I was trying to look for someone who knew where he was…" she nods in Sam's direction. "But that wasn't the only thing that happened when I was over there. We were all having dinner together, and… I saw Aura's mom abusing her. Right as I was sitting there, she was cursing out her daughter and… and hitting her… I had to threaten to record her to get it to stop, and I bet it got even worse after I left. The point is, I saw it!" Her eyes light up. "I know you said nobody's abusing her, that the police did an investigation, but they were wrong! It's not just me imagining things. It literally happened right in front of me!"
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"Ashley… You wouldn’t lie to me like this, would you?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:01 PM
"Wh-What?? No, I'm not lying! Why would I lie about that?!" (edited)
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"That’s exactly what I don’t understand. Why are you lying to me? Are you so desperate to buy into Aura’s lies?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 11:02 PM
"So you were out looking for me after all..." He tries to give a smile in her direction. "...I believe you. But why was Aura's mom doing this? What did she say?"
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"Sam." She says semi-forcefully.
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:06 PM
"I'm not… Look, my parents were there too! You can ask either one of them, they were sitting right next to me!" A sinking feeling worms its way through her chest. "Her mom was saying how Aura was… adopted, and that she was embarrassing the family whenever she talked. It was awful."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 11:06 PM
Okay, it's very clear Autumn very much knows this is a possibility and is just denying it. "...I'd prefer to dispute this story with logic if possible. I'm considering all possibilities. There's no reason not to do that, right? Otherwise the two of you will keep believing different things." He says this to Autumn.
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"Ashley… You need to stop lying to me. You didn’t see that because it didn’t happen. If your parents really did see that, don’t you think they’d have called the police? Don’t you think they’d have done something?" She gets increasingly bitter in her tone. "What are you going to pretend happened? They just entrusted dealing with this to you? They put aaaaall that responsibility and trust on you? You’re not the only person who can do anything, Ashley. No one's going to let you save the day on your own."
11:13 PM
She turns around. "…Sorry. I got carried away there. I just don’t like being lied to is all."
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 11:17 PM
Sam is a little uneasy after this remark, but responds. "...That's fine. But the only way to turn down a lie is to confront the possibility itself. Whether Ashley was told anything by her parents and what Aura actually did are largely irrelevant." "Of course, you have a point. If this happened, it's clear Ashley didn't call the police. Are her parents in the police or something, by any chance?" This is what I really want to know. Autumn's parents are, Thomas' parents are... And then there's the matter of my parents. I didn't think about it before, but wouldn't the mafia be at odds with any police hanging around here? Something isn't right.
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Ehn/PC
"Ashley… You need to stop lying to me. You didn’t see that because it didn’t happen. If your parents really did see that, don’t you think they’d have called the police? Don’t you think they’d have done something?" She gets increasingly bitter in her tone. "What are you going to pretend happened? They just entrusted dealing with this to you? They put aaaaall that responsibility and trust on you? You’re not the only person who can do anything, Ashley. No one's going to let you save the day on your own."
Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:24 PM
"Autumn, I…!" Ashley physically recoils from the words, unable to find any of her own for a moment. "Are you really making me go out and try to get video evidence of this just to get you to believe me? Suddenly it all has to be about logic and proof?? Why is it that whenever it's about this, it's the one thing you never believe me on?! When you tell me you need my help with something, like when I was looking for Sam with you, you didn't suddenly start doubting I was trying to find him. When you need me to do something, I do it. That's always how it's been!" Her voice starts wavering. "So why can you never trust me about this one thing? What is it about me?! If you'd tell me, I'd do anything to fix it! I just… Don't you get that all I want to do is help you…?"
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"…" She reaches for the door handle but stops. "Do you think you’re better than me, Ashley?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:28 PM
"No! I'd never think that. I promise, I think you're so much better than I could ever be in my entire life!" (edited)
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She only seems to get more angry.
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 11:30 PM
"Well, I somehow doubt she thinks she's better than you." He looks at Autumn, then away in no particular direction. "Ashley. What if she doesn't think you need to help her?"
11:32 PM
"Maybe she doesn't need the help, or at least believes she can handle whatever the situation is. Not without basis, admittedly, but I'm looking for the right angle to approach this from."
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"Sam… Your input isn’t needed right now."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:36 PM
"…Do you think that?" Ashley looks at her, on the verge of tears. "Do you really not… want me to…?"
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Sam Kidink< 5/20/2023 11:39 PM
"...Fine." And once again, he goes back to silence.
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"Ashley… This isn’t the time to be crying." She sighs. "But no, I don’t need your help and I never have. That doesn’t mean I don’t… Appreciate it." She says this almost like it’s an admission of guilt. "But stop doubting my parents. Stop doubting me. Okay?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:56 PM
Ashley can't help it. As soon as she gets out the word 'Okay' in response, she starts sobbing uncontrollably. Her crying is noiseless— she knows better than to let anyone outside hear her inside the closet. But against all of her efforts to stop the flow of tears from her eyes, or to prevent her shoulders from shaking, or to keep her sight from spiraling into nothingness, it explodes out of her without restraint. It takes about two minutes for this to stop. "…….Thanks… Autumn…"
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"Now, apologize."
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Ashley Laurier 5/20/2023 11:58 PM
"I'm so sorry. I'm really, honestly sorry. I'll never do it again, I s-swear." She says this without a second of hesitation.
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"I'm glad to hear it." She smiles. "You better stop hanging around Aura now, she's poisoning you with her delusions of victimhood."
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Sam Kidink< 5/21/2023 12:02 AM
...I wonder if anyone will realize we're here after all this... Should I just leave? Is it too unsafe to keep staying here? No, there's no point. If it came to that, I suppose this is it. I get to sit here and wait having accomplished absolutely nothing. When seeing this, I'm just reminded of the Sentasaurus and Hav all over again, watching some breakdown go down while the world moves on and I have no idea what to do... At this point, if it comes to it, just as this is the safest place if we're not found, I've locked myself in if we're found. All I have left is the mystery, I guess, if I want to explain any of that. I didn't manage to help anyone. Which is great, I guess I wasn't much good at that in the first place. Sam does not outwardly react to any of this besides with a mostly imperceptible sigh.
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Ehn/PC
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiles. "You better stop hanging around Aura now, she's poisoning you with her delusions of victimhood."
Ashley Laurier 5/21/2023 12:03 AM
"Yeah… You're right. Of course I won't." (edited)
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There's a knock. "Is someone in there?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/21/2023 12:05 AM
Ashley turns to Sam, taking off her jacket and giving it to him. "If they come in, put this on, and zip it all the way up," she whispers to him as quietly as possible. She does not respond to the knock at the door otherwise. (edited)
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Sam Kidink< 5/21/2023 12:11 AM
"Wh-" The objects! Right! I forgot. Why else would she give me something like this for no reason? Well, I know for sure that objects work with any user. I don't know how many other people have this information, but in any case, that means... This is my opportunity to get rid of that, too. "I see. Thank you." He whispers back. Sam puts the jacket on and prepares to do as instructed. He also unzips his backpack and throws Ashley two halves of the fish he received ages ago, then attempts to whisper everything he can. "...If you eat it, it might help you fight back. Try punching something, maybe. I might've broken it, and I'm really sorry if I did, but this is all I can do. But I'm not the one who needs this if it works. ...Despite all of this, you're the only one who has a shot at figuring out the truth, and I do mean you. ...Good luck."
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((I don't think you have those))
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Sam Kidink< 5/21/2023 12:13 AM
((do I not? I thought I picked it back up- whatever we can go with this if you want))
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Ashley Laurier 5/21/2023 12:47 AM
Figuring out the 'truth'? I have no idea what he's talking about… But I'm glad he cares, anyway. Even if I probably won't need to use whatever this is. Ashley nods and holds on to the fish, not doing anything with it yet.
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The door swings open, and Autumn falls flat on her face as a result.
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Sam Kidink< 5/21/2023 12:50 AM
Sam zips up the jacket and starts rushing away outside the school and to the forest. (edited)
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Sam turns invisible. ((End session because I'm so tired))
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"Why are you girls hiding in here?" There's a teacher, with one of the men in suits behind them. Autumn clutches her nose. "Ow..."
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(( @dusk come on guys it's been 2 hours and neither of you have responded))
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:05 PM
((Isn't Sam not here,))
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((I forgot to precise the door is blocked by the teachers yeah MY BAD. You can count this one against me that's fair))
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:16 PM
There's a certain kind of situation Ashley could probably pass this off as– one she kinda wishes was happening instead– but Autumn probably wouldn't like that, so a different excuse it is. "Um... We were just... curious about what kind of stuff was in here?" she manages, trying not to blush while fantasizing about that other situation.
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"Please stop kissing in the broom closet. This isn’t the 50s." The teacher. "We’re not-" Autumn looks around notices Sam is gone. Begrudgingly, she responds. "…I’ll be sure to keep that in mind."
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:31 PM
"Haha… sorry about that, yeah…" She can barely hold herself together enough to give this reply as she internally celebrates this mistake on the teacher's part.
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They move aside to let Ashley and Autumn leave.
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:37 PM
She slowly walks out of the closet, both to play into her own embarrassment and to give Sam more of a chance to leave alongside the two of them undetected.
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The guy in the suit stops them and shows an image of Sam. "Have you seen this man?"
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:45 PM
"Hm?" It's probably useless to hide the spark of recognition in her eyes at someone she literally just saw next to her a few seconds ago, so she goes for a more 'vague familiarity' approach. "Ummm..... I feel like he looks kinda familiar, but I can't remember where I'd have seen him before. Does that help?"
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Autumn completely hides any spark of recognition and replies like she's being honest. "I've never seen this man in my life, sorry. Didn't you ask this yesterday? You must be really incompetent to have to keep harassing students at school about that, huh?" She smiles as usual. He doesn't respond and leaves.
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 4:57 PM
"Wow, you're good at this," Ashley remarks once the guy in the suit is gone.
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"My parents taught me well." She nods. ((I'm going to assume Sam leaves by now so channel split)) (edited)
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Advehnt Guard
Online / twitter / Burner Account
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Burner Account @burner1923691
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11:58 PM
@burner1923691: I've been hiding this for a while because I was scared of what she might do to me if I came out about this, but it's for the best that I warn everyone before she can hurt anyone else. (edited)
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: I've been hiding this for a while because I was scared of what she might do to me if I came out about this, but it's for the best that I warn everyone before she can hurt anyone else. (edited)
@burner1923691: Thread of all of @/loveloveguilty aka Ashley Laurier's crimes:
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: Thread of all of @/loveloveguilty aka Ashley Laurier's crimes:
@burner1923691: A while ago I got close to Ashley while discussing Ace Attorney. When I met her I thought she was funny, sweet, and could be an interesting friend. But when I got closer, I realized what a terrifying person she really was
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: A while ago I got close to Ashley while discussing Ace Attorney. When I met her I thought she was funny, sweet, and could be an interesting friend. But when I got closer, I realized what a terrifying person she really was
@burner1923691: Ashley is one of the most hateful people I've ever met. Every time she spoke to me, she would go out of her to make me as miserable as she could. It felt so cruel that I genuinely couldn't believe I was speaking to a real human being at times.
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: Ashley is one of the most hateful people I've ever met. Every time she spoke to me, she would go out of her to make me as miserable as she could. It felt so cruel that I genuinely couldn't believe I was speaking to a real human being at times.
@burner1923691: After a week, she had so thoroughly destroyed my mental state that she proceeded to toy with my life. She forced me to destroy everything I loved and to push everyone I cared about until I had nothing but her
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: After a week, she had so thoroughly destroyed my mental state that she proceeded to toy with my life. She forced me to destroy everything I loved and to push everyone I cared about until I had nothing but her
@burner1923691: And at that point, she kept manipulating me. Gaslighting me. Trying to make me believe that all of this had been my fault all while she pushed me towards and actively supported that I kill myself.
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: And at that point, she kept manipulating me. Gaslighting me. Trying to make me believe that all of this had been my fault all while she pushed me towards and actively supported that I kill myself.
@burner1923691: My family brought me back to reality and forced me to block her, but the damage was already too late. Everywhere I looked, I could just see her haunting me.
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: My family brought me back to reality and forced me to block her, but the damage was already too late. Everywhere I looked, I could just see her haunting me.
@burner1923691: And then she didn't stop either. She kept hounding me from what felt like endless alts, blaming me, manipulating me, and even threatening to kill me.
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: And then she didn't stop either. She kept hounding me from what felt like endless alts, blaming me, manipulating me, and even threatening to kill me.
@burner1923691: Please don't let this vile hateful person have a platform. I have no idea how many people she's done this to.
12:19 AM
Attached to each tweet are screenshots of what look like discord DMs. Loveloveguilty is almost comically evil in them.
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: Thread of all of @/loveloveguilty aka Ashley Laurier's crimes:
@junietheroach: wtf i had no idea... im so sorry that happened to you #ashleyisoverparty
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Ehn/PC
@burner1923691: Ashley is one of the most hateful people I've ever met. Every time she spoke to me, she would go out of her to make me as miserable as she could. It felt so cruel that I genuinely couldn't believe I was speaking to a real human being at times.
@immxrtxlity007 ummmmmm out of her what lol. learn to type + most stable visual novel player be like ((This is schrodingers canon. It is not at all impossible for Dana to have checked her phone today or even recently, or found the origin of a trending tag, or commented meaninglessly on a hyperspecific gamer community situation she does not know or care about. It would just be fucking stupid but this is the chapter where i get to be fucking stupid))
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Shawn Duveldt 5/21/2023 11:33 AM
@bugs0938: Who the fuck is Ashley Laurier (edited)
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Advehnt Guard
Online / twitter
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#AshleyIsOverParty is now trending
retweet 1
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Advehnt Guard
Other Town / ashley-laurier
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They are still standing in the school hallway.
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 5:52 PM
For the first time in what feels like forever, Ashley feels a wave of relief wash over her. This past week has felt like it's turned her entire life upside down… but knowing Autumn is here with her makes all of that seem so insignificant. Her life won't change, because she already has everything she could ever need. Why fight it? There's certainly no point in spending so much time doubting someone who knows just how to help her work through her problems. "Hey… Thank you."
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This momentarily cracks her constant smile. "…No problem."
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Ashley Laurier 5/27/2023 6:17 PM
"You know… a couple of days ago, you were saying that you didn't mind the responsibility of thinking for me. You weren't joking then, were you?"
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"Of course not."
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((Whenever you want though if you just don’t make any real progress I will 1984 you on Saturday))
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Ashley Laurier 5/28/2023 11:15 PM
((What does that mean))
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((What part is confusing))
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Ashley Laurier 5/28/2023 11:22 PM
((What will 1984ing me on Saturday entail))
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((Forcing you to have a session then))
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Ashley Laurier 5/28/2023 11:30 PM
((Oh okay))
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 2:44 PM
"Then..." Ashley fidgets a little in place, clearly embarrassed. "How would you do that? I mean, I assume you can't literally just take over someone's mind, so do you just mean mutually agreeing to make their decisions for them, or..."
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"Are you trying to imply I'm some kind of cruel manipulator? Of course not. If I were to manipulate someone, it would only be for their own good. Like leading a lost puppy back home with a treat. Do you think you’re a lost puppy? If not, you should obviously understand that it’s purely mutual agreement."
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 3:13 PM
"N-No, I didn't mean...! It's just, I've never heard someone offer to do something like this before. It feels a little surreal, I guess..." She fidgets some more, now trying to focus all of her conscious efforts on being as normal as possible about the fact that Autumn just called her her little lost puppy. "Um… I think that if… if you're still fine with it, I'd like to try it. To have you… think for me, I mean."
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Her expression briefly changes to bewilderment before resetting back to the usual smile. "That would be fine." Autumn's smile then suddenly cracks, replaced by pathetically pleading eyes. "But… Don’t you have a lot to do in your life? People who care about you, people who want to talk to you… It’s not like I can always be there." The tone of her voice carries a hint of confusion, like she doesn’t understand why she’s saying this.
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 3:52 PM
"Sure, but I'm not gonna forget how you've helped me just because you're not right there with me!" She usually doesn't act like this… Is this her self-doubting side? I guess everyone has one, even her. She's really cute like this… "Autumn, you've helped me better my life more than anyone I've ever met. I couldn't be the person I am today without knowing you, and that means even when we're not together, I'll know exactly how to live my life. Whenever I speak, I'll ask myself: 'What would Autumn say?' Whenever I think, I'll ask myself: 'What would Autumn think?' So you don't need to worry… because no matter where I am or what I'm doing, my heart belongs to you."
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She stares silently for a moment. "That’s… Alright. You don’t have to think exactly like me… I’d prefer it if there were only 1 of me around, haha-" She slaps her own face like Athena Cykes. "Sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me. Maybe I hit my head too hard in that closet." She looks around. "Did you see where Sam went? I need to help him."
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 4:45 PM
"No, sorry... I was kinda distracted."
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"Oh. That's a shame." Autumn takes a moment to think. "Well, we should at least work on finding him a place to stay toni-" "Ashley!" Aura runs up them. "You're still in school at this time?"
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 5:12 PM
Tensing at the sound of Aura's voice, Ashley makes a face like someone's just insulted her. She moves closer to Autumn and tries to look away. "...Mm." (edited)
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"Ashley? What's the problem, nya?" Aura. Autumn looks at Ashley expectantly.
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 5:26 PM
"What, you want me to open up and tell you after all the times you've danced around letting me know what's going on with you? Do you think you've earned that right?" The words come out of her mouth quicker and angrier than she expected. She tries to cover it up with a smile. "But there's no problem here anyway, so it doesn't matter."
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"Whoops, sorry! Anyaway, have you seen someone called Sam? My brother asked me to ask you." Aura. "No, she hasn't." Autumn.
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 5:32 PM
"Is that all?"
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"Well, if not, maybe we can hang out again? All 3 of us?" Aura doesn't even bother with the playful tone, it just comes out like a pathetic cry for help.
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Ashley Laurier 6/2/2023 5:35 PM
"Why?"
5:35 PM
Ashley's heart starts pounding in her chest.
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"Why... Not? Aren't we besties?" Aura.
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((Whenever you want but with the slight emphasis that you are somewhat significantly behind again))
👍 1
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"Why... Not? Aren't we besties?" Aura.
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Ashley Laurier 6/12/2023 3:40 PM
She looks away and laughs nervously. "Hey, I'm kinda in the middle of… I'm busy doing something with Autumn right now. Whatever you want to talk about with me, it's not that important, right?"
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"Can I help?" Aura cheerfully responded.
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Ashley Laurier 6/12/2023 3:44 PM
"No!" …She didn't mean to be that forceful. "I mean… it's fine. It doesn't involve you."
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"…But it could!" Aura pauses. "Are you… Still mad about last night?" Autumn is watching this strangely quietly.
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Ashley Laurier 6/12/2023 4:55 PM
"Why are you doing this to me now?! If it was me bringing up what happened last night, on any other day I bet you wouldn't even acknowledge it. You'd act like nothing ever happened. But because today maybe I want to do literally anything other than be around you, suddenly you're so open for discussion, huh?? Why's that?? You make me try sooo haaard to help you, go almost out of my mind thinking I can't get through to you no matter what I do, that I lost you to your own stupid insistence on never wanting anybody's help, but now it's 'Oh, Ashley, why are you feeling bad? Let's hang out, let's talk about your feelings!' Well, maybe YOU'RE the reason I don't want to talk about it! Maybe when I tried to do that over and over again and you kept acting like it didn't matter, you convinced me I COULDN'T anymore! And you want to turn back around on aaaaall that and tell me you're here to talk about it, the MOMENT I get tired of it! If it's really my attention you want so bad, I have nothing left to give. Okay???"
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"…" Aura doesn’t respond. "Well, we should go. We can’t let them find Sam first." Autumn turned and started to walk away.
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Ashley Laurier 6/12/2023 5:13 PM
"…Yeah." Ashley follows her.
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Aura suddenly hugs Ashley from behind firmly and doesn’t let her keep going. "…I'm not gonnya let you go! Let me be like you for once… A cool person who helps people through their problems even when you don’t understand or they’re being stubborn!" "She clearly has terrible taste…" Autumn muttered. "I know you don’t get what’s going on with me, but you don’t have to… Just let me help nya!" Aura clung onto Ashley even more.
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((Instead of session times pretend I just posted the pleading emoji. Didn’t do it because I knew you were Horatiusing but I’m going to ask you like once a day from now on and if it’s no you just say no. You don’t have to wait for me to ask either I’m not exactly going to say no personally))
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Ashley Laurier 6/15/2023 10:59 PM
Ashley makes a 🥺 face at Autumn's comment before turning to Aura. "You can't–… Listen, that's… a really nice offer. But, it's just, I don't even know if Autumn would want you to. This is kind of a private issue anyways, and I dunno if you'd get how to handle it… Besides, I mean, she picked me to be the one to help her with this, and I want to show her she can count on me, not have to rely on someone else." She makes vague explanatory gestures as if there's some greater, more intelligent point behind her excuses that she just can't put into words.
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"…I understand but- I’m your bestie too! You- You can trust me! N-nya!" Aura adds that last part in a hurry. Autumn reacts to Ashley's expression like she doesn’t understand what she’s trying to say.
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Ashley Laurier 6/15/2023 11:28 PM
"Can you not make this about trust? This is about responsibility. I'm who she decided to do this with because I'm the most helpful to her, and this is between us two. Not you."
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"...I can be responsible! I can be useful to you! I promise!" Aura.
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Ashley Laurier 6/15/2023 11:58 PM
Something about the way she says that makes Ashley feel so much worse. "I…" She turns to Autumn with a look of desperation, silently begging to be bailed out of having to talk Aura down like this.
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"I..." Autumn squirms uncomfortably. "Aura, let her go. She doesn't want to be your friend anymore. She's abandoned you. It's time you move on from that!" "..." Aura doesn't answer. "Come on, Ashley. We can't waste time on this." Autumn starts to leave again.
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Ashley Laurier 6/16/2023 1:18 AM
How can she just say it like that? I was trying to let Aura down easy, and she comes in with– Ashley opens her mouth to say something to Autumn, maybe even to call her out, …but then closes it again. …She's just telling the truth though, isn't she? I really did abandon Aura. I've been doing nothing but letting her down. When Autumn dragged her out to the schoolyard on Wednesday, I was trying to cut her out of my life right then. No matter how I try to spin it, I keep fucking things up with her… Why am I even trying to sugarcoat it? "I'll ta–…" No, she definitely can't say 'talk to you later'. The last thing she needs is to talk to Aura more. It's not worth it when this happens every time. She just needs to leave. She tries to walk away with Autumn. (edited)
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Aura continues to hang onto Ashley without saying a word, preventing her from leaving.
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Ashley Laurier 6/16/2023 1:25 AM
Ashley reluctantly tries to pry her off.
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((Roll))
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Ashley Laurier 6/16/2023 1:29 AM
((How does this keep happening to me))
1:29 AM
((3))
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((Don't worry, it happens to me too))
1:32 AM
Ashley manages to pry Aura off of her. Aura tries grabbing onto her again.
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Ashley Laurier 6/16/2023 1:37 AM
She tries to avoid this by moving away from Aura and attempting to hide behind Autumn.
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((Roll))
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Ashley Laurier 6/16/2023 1:39 AM
((19 😊))
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Ashley evades Aura. Aura just falls to her knees and gets into a begging position. "F-Fine...! I'll just speak in a language my besties can understand! Please please please let me back in! Please please please please please please please please-" Autumn tries to back up uncomfortably, but is blocked by Ashley hiding behind her. "Shut up!" She screams and kicks Aura away. Aura yelps and falls over backwards. Autumn takes a moment to breathe before suddenly realizing what she's done. She starts looking around anxiously, but there aren't too many people around. Autumn starts pathetically pleading to the uncaring bystanders. "I'm- I'm not a violent person! I don't- I don't do these kinds of things normally... Ashley can attest to that! I'm an excellent student and a great person... And- And I'm the least violent person you'll ever meet in your life! You might not know me yet... But I'm someone you can be proud of! Someone inspirational! But... Even the best of us have... Some slight overreactions! It's all just about moving past those! I promise!"
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((Pleading eyes emoji))
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 3:21 PM
Before even the first word comes out of Autumn's mouth, Ashley can no longer hear her. She just stares expressionless at the scene in front of her, both a thousand miles away and far too close to be even remotely comfortable. She can't see what she's seeing. She can't believe her own eyes. Because if she does, if what she's seeing is real… then… You can't teach an old dog new tricks. And she certainly is a bitch, isn't she? The sound of that palm against Aura's face. Absolutely disgraceful. Aura falling over onto the ground. She grabs at her head, her face. It's about to split open. The world doesn't feel like it's working right– no, she isn't working right. She's the one with the problem. Everyone else is fine. Everything is fine. Aura, on the ground, hurt, again. Ashley backs away from Autumn quickly enough that she almost falls over. She becomes vaguely aware of the fact that she's sobbing and hyperventilating again, but it doesn't quite register to her as any more than a simple fact; not in comparison to the deep sense of wrongness threatening to engulf her entire self. Trying to focus on that, she immediately begins walking home with both of her hands still covering almost her whole face. She can barely see where she's going at all. That's okay.
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Autumn reaches out instinctively, but quickly pulls her arm back in and heads in the opposite direction. Aura gets up and runs after Ashley. "Ashley!"
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 3:29 PM
Ashley starts walking faster, then breaks into a run. Hearing that voice, seeing that face, it makes the tears against her face feel warmer. It makes the people around her feel closer. It's horrible.
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Aura tries to keep up.
3:34 PM
"Ashley! What’s wrong?" Aura. Ashley arrives home.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 3:39 PM
She rushes into her room and closes the door, locking it behind her.
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Aura keeps knocking on the door. "Ashley? Ashley!?" Ashley is alone in her room.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 4:23 PM
In response to the noise calling out for her, Ashley takes the natural action of collapsing onto the floor and slamming her hands against her ears. After a few seconds, her eyes close too, seemingly on their own. She begs anyone who'll listen to let this not be happening. She hopes with everything in her soul that this isn't real, that she isn't real. She wishes to disappear with all her being.
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Ashley falls asleep, and wakes up an hour later on her bed. She has an absurd amount of notifications.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 4:30 PM
She waits for a minute to hear if anyone's still around.
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There's no sound around.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 7:10 PM
.......................... Sighing, she opens her phone to check her notifs. What she'd really like to do is go back to sleep, but that's probably not a good idea.
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She has a ton of notifications from twitter, and 2 texts from Autumn.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 7:19 PM
From Autumn... Ashley decides to check her Twitter notifs first.
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The Fehngus BOT 6/17/2023 7:20 PM
#AshleyIsOverParty is now trending
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 8:02 PM
As she scrolls through the results, she becomes increasingly frantic. How could this happen? Does she really deserve even this to be taken away from her? That person in those screenshots... that's not her. She at least knows that much. That's right. This isn't her. Despite herself, she breathes a sigh of relief, one that she doesn't really understand. But it's clear now. This is a setup built to work against her, and more likely than not, it was put in place as soon as she started getting that ridiculous number of followers. Obviously there's someone out to get her for some reason, and it's her job to figure out who they are and how to stop them. It's as simple as that. She'll have to make an alt of her own, one that's distinct enough from her main that it doesn't register as the same person. She wouldn't want to have to abandon online spaces entirely, after all, even if her presence will indeed have to become more minimal. Based on the time all this started happening, she can at least rule out some people... probably. Well, she'll have to think about it later. But it's something new to solve. Someone new to beat. It feels... good. Ashley briefly wonders if she is going insane by enjoying watching her life fall apart. Nope, she doesn't dwell on that. Time to check her texts from Autumn.
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'I found Sam.' ‘Bringing him somewhere to hide.'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 8:11 PM
'oh awesome!!! tysm i'm so so so sorry about earlier you're the best'
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'I know'
8:13 PM
'Why is he wearing your jacket? It doesn’t fit him.'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 8:16 PM
'i'd rather talk to you about that in person. or you can ask him actually, tell him i said it's okay to show you'
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The typing icon stays up for an abnormally long time before sending. 'Are you cheating on me?'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 8:24 PM
She feels her heart drop in her chest, mixed with a fair amount of disgust. 'no!!!! no autumn i promise i'm not and i can explain this if we meet up again just trust me or you can ask sam about it'
8:24 PM
Ashley awkwardly tries to figure out how to phrase her next text.
8:25 PM
'i literally don't get crushes on boys in the first place'
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'Why not?' 'Aren’t we supposed to?'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 8:40 PM
She stares at this message for a second. 'i mean, not really? i guess there are people who do think girls are supposed to do that, but it's not really true. the types of crushes you get can be totally different from person to person, and for me i've just never been interested in any guy that way. there are a lot of girls out there who just wanna date girls' Her finger hesitates over the send button. Having to type this out feels a little ridiculous– surely Autumn knows about LGBTQ+ people, right?? She's literally talked about being Ashley's girlfriend before. Maybe this explanation should just be simpler. 'well i'm a lesbian so i've never been interested in guys that way' There we go. Less patronizing. Send.
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'Well, having some crushes on other girls is fine, but wouldn’t your parents kill you if you didn’t eventually settle down with a guy'
8:44 PM
'Like Sam'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 9:01 PM
Ashley feels like she's just been stung between the eyes. Does Autumn really have such unsupportive parents...? The thought makes her sad. 'not necessarily.. i mean ok i haven't actually come out to them yet but i'm sure they'd just tell me to do what i want because it's not their problem. i don't think they really care what i'm doing that much as long as i'm not getting into trouble. not EVERY parent has a meltdown over their kid being lgbtq+ youjust hear a ton of horror stories about it'
9:02 PM
'would your parents not be okay with it'
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'Horror stories? That sounds overdramatic'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 9:11 PM
'they're not literally horror stories lol it's like a metaphor people use' Talking to her about stuff like this feels so weird sometimes... She's both the smartest person I know and like, surprisingly unfamiliar with some things. But that's just what makes her so cute...
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'I understand that. But you make it sound like the parents are in the wrong. Mine are absolutely flawless. Don’t you dare imply otherwise.'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 9:42 PM
Ashley tries to fight back a sudden wave of frustration and hopelessness. She didn't expect Autumn to have internalized it this badly. 'does that mean you're just going to Settle Down with a guy eventually? is what we have only like a temporary thing for you'
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She doesn’t respond.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 9:47 PM
'autumn you can't just ask about whether i'm cheating on you and then leave me in the dark about what our relationship means to you'
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No answer.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:19 PM
Ashley feels her mood from before starting to creep back into her. She wraps her arms around her body as if to prevent herself from evaporating. If... If she can't even... have Autumn... then... Before she can even register the desire within her, she almost throws her phone against the wall. Just in time, she manages to stop herself before it leaves her hand. That didn't feel like it came from her. She's... still alone in here, right?
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'Sorry, Sam was freaking out. He started talking about video games and then passed out'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:23 PM
She pulls her phone back to her face, obsessively staring at it in wait for Autumn's next message.
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She doesn’t send another message.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:25 PM
'that's ok!! i hope sam's alright. did you see the question i asked just now btw'
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'I did'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:34 PM
Ashley waits for a minute to see if Autumn says anything else.
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She does not.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:39 PM
'are you going to like answer it'
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'Do you want me to'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:43 PM
'basically more than i've ever wanted anything else in my life really'
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‘That seems excessive'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:44 PM
'are you going to answer or not'
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'Let’s not talk about this'
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:56 PM
Ashley puts her phone face-down on her bed. There's definitely nobody else in or near the room at the moment, is there?
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Doesn’t seem like it.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 10:58 PM
Well then. "Hey Ehn, are you there? I'm ready to ask about that favor."
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"You’re in luck, I am still in town." Ehn appears. "Though I’m out of favours, remember."
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 11:02 PM
"Haha, well, it's not a favor for me..." Ashley presses her fingers together sheepishly. "You... um... You said that in exchange for an ability, you could make Autumn love me back, didn't you?"
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"That’s true. I could. But both of these sound pretty much exclusively like advantages for you… What do I get out of this? I may be generous, but I’m not a free dispenser."
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 11:18 PM
Well, damn… this thing makes a tough deal. She smiles. "Did you have anything in mind you wanted done? As long as it doesn't get in the way of her and I, you could more or less ask anything of me. I'm a pretty selfless person, after all."
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She starts to laugh loudly.
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Ashley Laurier 6/17/2023 11:45 PM
Somewhat late into this conversation, Ashley remembers that this is a creature which so far has seemingly existed for the sole purpose of making her suffer. So its laughter puts her a little on edge. "…Did I say something funny…?" (edited)
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She just laughs even louder. It’s not creepy or maniacal, it just feels mocking. "…Ahhh. Please, tell me how you justify this one to yourself. How is brainwashing your girlfriend to love you actually heroic. I’m dying to know what your brain has cooked up."
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Ashley Laurier 6/18/2023 12:38 AM
"Wh-" She starts blushing out of both embarrassment and indignation. "W-Well, how do you know she doesn't already?! Maybe… Maybe she already has feelings for me, and just has a hard time expressing them. I wouldn't be changing anything then!" She hesitates as she realizes how insane that sounds. "I'm not… I don't… Oh, fuck, don't… don't give this to me. I don't want it anymore." Her hand goes to her mouth in revulsion. (edited)
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"Wow, you just fall apart at the slightest criticism, huh? This is a whole other level of pathetic. At least when a certain other person asks for that kind of thing, she has the decency to stick to it. You just immediately cracked. Hasn’t anyone ever told you to think through what you say before you wish upon a magical creature? Feels like fiction 101."
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Ashley Laurier 6/18/2023 12:55 AM
Ashley feels like her entire body is suddenly on fire. "That's because…! It was a stupid– It was an impulse decision, not a wish, it doesn't count, it- it's- I-" She drops onto her knees. "Please don't do this, please, you said you were on my side, I can't live with it, I can't, you can't, don't…" As her pleas become near-unintelligible, her eyes start stinging in protest of the amount of tears they've had to produce today.
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"Relaaaax. I’m not some kind of evil contract demon. Those kinds of cautionary tales are best left to warn you about lawyers. I’m my own sentient being with my own desires and choices too. I like when things are fun. Wasting a favour and an ability on this boring romance stuff wouldn’t just be a waste of effort, it’d make everything go waaaay more boring. I would never have done that unless I was reeeeally desperate. See? I’m not your enemy! I’m steering you on the right track and everything." Ehn smiles.
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Ashley Laurier 6/18/2023 1:18 AM
She thanks Ehn for this mercy by proceeding to bury her face in her hands and bawling incoherently. (edited)
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"All in a day's work! Oh, and sorry about the jacket, by the way." Ehn leaves without elaborating.
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Ashley Laurier 6/19/2023 11:04 PM
After a minute or two of sniffling and generally feeling awful, she angrily wipes her tears from her eyes with her sleeve. When am I just going to learn how to act like a normal fucking person? It's like this every time: I get to have something nice, I INSTANTLY ruin it by being a narcissistic selfish asshole, and then I go and cry like a baby about it because I feel sorry for myself. I hate myself just for thinking about it. Why was I even born, as this pathetic, miserable fucking thing who can never do anything right, and then I think I should get to have every single little thing I want without question? I don't deserve Autumn. I don't deserve anyone. Autumn should be allowed to be happy, to live a wonderful life with a girl who knows what she actually wants, who can actually give her the love her very existence should owe her. But she's stuck with me. Whose only impact on other people's lives is ruining them. She should just leave me for my own sake. For both our sakes. Why can't I just… I should've just… done the right thing. Ashley checks her texts with Autumn to see if there's any new messages.
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There are no new messages.
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Ashley Laurier 6/19/2023 11:11 PM
She decides to send a new message. 'i'm sorry for being selfish about this. of course you don't have to answer it if you don't feel comfortable. you deserve better than to have me bother you with this and i should have just listened to you'
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Seen.
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Ashley Laurier 6/19/2023 11:15 PM
If Autumn's seen it, then she doesn't need to be bothered with any more messages. Ashley stops looking at her texts and instead checks the time.
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Around 7PM or so.
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Ashley Laurier 6/19/2023 11:32 PM
Sigh… Too early to go to bed, probably. Can't scroll Twitter anymore, since she's still being framed there… Hm, maybe she could make that new account now, actually. But right now doesn't really feel like one of those times where she can go back to acting normal– especially not starting from scratch. Plus her platform would be way too small to meaningfully help people through it anyway. Obviously can't talk to Autumn right now, definitely can't talk to Aura right now, she'd rather jump off a bridge than talk to her parents… All of it is kind of her fault, huh? She can reinvent herself online however she wants, but she can't exactly start over in real life. Nobody wants to even listen to her anymore, let alone be helped by her. Does she really even have a reason to exist anymore? The thought makes her laugh a little. Turning her phone off and putting it in her pocket, she decides to head down to the kitchen to make herself something light for dinner. She hasn't really eaten much recently, so it'd probably be nice to at least have something. (edited)
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Her parents and Aura are talking in the kitchen. "Ashley, there you are." Lilia waved.
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Ashley Laurier 6/20/2023 12:11 AM
It takes a monumental effort to not instantly walk back into her room. Could they hear her in there the whole time? Are they going to call her crazy? Tell her off for leaving a guest by herself? And… no, she doesn't even want to think about what Aura might have told them. Her body draws itself in, like it's collapsing upon itself. She tries not to look too hard at any of their faces. "………Hi."
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"Hi, Ashwey! Awe you feewing bettew?" Aura hugs her. "You got weawwy panicked eawwiew. No way to know why!" "Oh, it’s… You know, kids." Raymond. "Always something." "Isn’t that the truth." Lilia. Aura looks at them with a vague sense of confusion and then back to Ashley. (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 6/20/2023 12:33 AM
Aura's hug squeezes something incomprehensible out of Ashley that exits her as a shocked squeak. She's too taken aback to even try to get this to stop. It doesn't even make sense, why would…? "I'm feeling, uh, fine, I guess." The sentence leaves her mouth before she even registers herself as consciously saying it. "What… What happened earlier, that was an accident. I felt pretty normal otherwise, just kind of a sudden instinct thing. Nothing to worry too much about, haha."
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"Yup, all good." Aura gives a thumbs up. "Mhm." Ray nods along without answering. "They talked about you for ages, they must really love you, huh?" Aura tries to play it off but her tone carries a clear feeling of idolization. "Oh, it’s- You know… Just felt like what we had in common was Ashley." Lilia acts embarrassed, like she’s been accused of something.
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Ashley Laurier 6/21/2023 3:43 PM
Ashley ignores the talk about her parents and aims a question straight at Aura. "Why did you come here? Why do you want to see me so bad?"
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"Because you’re my bestie, obviously. Why else?" Aura responds uncomfortably.
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Ashley Laurier 6/22/2023 9:59 PM
"But...!" Before she can finish her sentence, she stops, suddenly conscious of her parents still being here. "Look... can we talk about this somewhere else, like my room?" (edited)
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"Sounds great!" Aura responds overeagerly.
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Ashley Laurier 6/22/2023 10:13 PM
Ashley walks her 'bestie' into her room and shuts the door. "Just... How are you even still able to call me your friend? This past week, all I've done is make your life worse, ignore what you want from me, and abandon you. What kind of a friendship is it when you're being treated like that?!"
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Instead of responding, Aura looks around and starts blushing. "2 besties alone in your bedroom with the door closed... I wonder what your parents are thinking, haha..."
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Ashley Laurier 6/22/2023 11:05 PM
She feels her heart drop in her chest. "I'm... sure they know it's just because I wanted some privacy." Is that really it? She has a crush on me, of all people, and that's why she keeps coming back? No, no, she wouldn't feel that way... I haven't remotely earned that from her yet.
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"Good point!" She still doesn't answer the question. (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 4:58 PM
"Aura..." She paces around in a circle, going over what she wants to say. "I don't know what you expect to get out of being around me, but I can't be the person you need. You have to stop, not for my sake, but for yours."
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"Jeez, Nyashley... You're being really silly today." She awkwardly laughs.
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 9:29 PM
"I'm being serious! I... I can't be your friend anymore. I'm abandoning you, just like I said!"
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She freezes up momentarily. "But- But you can! We are friends! Whether you like it not, we're besties until the end!" Nervously, she continues. "What do I have to do to prove that you? What am I doing wrong? Do you want me to be your protector? Your damsel in distress? I can do anyathing! I promise! No matter what you need, I'll become that friend! You just have to ask!"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 10:44 PM
What's creepiest about how Aura's acting right now isn't just how unhealthy she's being; there's something even more awful behind it that Ashley can't even describe, something that she feels like she should be insulted by. But Aura would never mean to do that, right? She doesn't try to put it into words. Right now, she has to try to be as calm and clear about this as possible. "I don't need or want anything from you. I'm telling you this isn't good for us, and you need to leave me alone. If you're not going to listen to me, I'll cut you out of my life myself, no matter how hard that is."
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"Why!?"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 10:48 PM
"Because it's the right thing to do."
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"Why is that the right thing to do? I’m… You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Ashley. We need each other! I promise!"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 10:57 PM
She shakes her head. "I know you won't believe me if I try to tell you. But after all this is said and done, and you find someone who actually cares about you, you're going to look back on this and thank me." Sighing, she starts to stare into the distance. "It'll be… the most I've ever helped you. The most I've helped anyone."
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"You help me a ton every day already! Maybe you aren’t fixing up my life, but… You make every day just a little brighter! Maybe you’re not doing as much as you think you are… But you’ve saved me countless times already. If I couldn’t be strong for you… I wouldn’t be me. Maybe I wouldn’t even be here..." She laughs it off. "Haha… Just kidding! But really… I couldn’t do anything without you. You’re the only one who lets me feel alive at all."
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 11:14 PM
Well, I did tell her she wouldn't believe me. "You're not going to change my decision, Aura. If you can already scrape together all of those compliments for me, you're bound to find someone else who deserves them so much more."
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"Why don’t you believe me?"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 11:18 PM
"Who says I don't believe you?"
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"You! You keep trying to push me away!"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 11:24 PM
"I'm trying to push you away because I know I'm the best friend you've ever had." Her face falls into her hands. "Ugh, can we stop arguing already?! I can't stand this anymore! Stop talking to me!"
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"What does that even mean!?"
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Ashley Laurier 6/23/2023 11:52 PM
Ashley doesn't say anything else. Her wish is a childish one– that if she just doesn't process this at all, it'll disappear. 'If I can't see you, you can't see me'.
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"Stop ignoring me…!" She pauses. "You keep making it sound like you hate yourself, but… That can’t be. I’m not that naive. There’s no one in the world who could manage to hate you. So… What am I doing wrong? You won’t let me fix this, and you won’t tell me why! Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll fix it!" (edited)
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Ashley Laurier 6/24/2023 12:05 AM
Is this really all I am? Is this all I can do for anyone? ...I hate it. She starts to curl into a ball on the floor.
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"What am I doing wrong!? Just tell me who you need me to be…! I promise, even if you hate me- I’ll become your favourite the second you tell me how! Because… I may not seem like it, but I’m a pretty good actress! You probably can’t tell from this position… But I haven’t cried this whole time! I’m immune to all of my feelings, I can reshape them however you want at a moment’s notice! That’s pretty impressive, right? It’s all I’m good for, so it should at least account for something!" As Aura keeps rambling, Ashley loses consciousness. ((End chapter))
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Advehnt Guard
Other Town / sam-kidink
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 2:20 PM
Sam opts to run off towards the forest for now as this is the location he discussed earlier in case someone wants to meet him, even if it might not be safe on its own anymore. I remember that last part of the previous conversation... What's bound to happen now? The suit guys are back, I guess. Are they the same ones? And... 'have you seen this man'...? It's all quite annoying. Not like I'm some wanted criminal, I'm not even 18. Since it's Naomi who's looking for me, one of us is going to have to give up eventually, and I don't know who that'll be. But for now... From what I can tell, they weren't able to see me, so this is what Ashley's item was for. I don't know what she would be using this for, but it's a shame. This is much more interesting than the fish, I don't understand Ehn at all. I've seen people opening doors, and all that too... So many ways of doing things that don't involve brute-forcing your way through a situation, or ways of solving everything much more easily, and yet I was given a fish instead. ...But if that item is still working, maybe Ashley will find some way to make use of it. That would be quite good, actually. I'm glad my prediction earlier was on the mark for once. If only everyone could receive items which could actually help them instead, then maybe I'd have more respect for Ehn. But she just seems to act on nonsense thoughts.
2:20 PM
What else? I don't know where Ashley and Autumn are going, but all I can do is wait to see what happens next. If Ashley was correct, Ehn may be asking me for a "favor" eventually. If it happens, we'll see how that plays out. I have a lot to say. Avengard is no doubt connected to the events of this town at this point, and vice versa, as much as I hate it. ...Will I come to a decision on whether I want to leave all of that behind or not? I doubt it, all I've learned from my time here is that I'm far too inconsistent to come to any meaning regarding Avengard. And maybe there isn't any. Just an arbitrary web of connections with no purpose. I can say "it was a poor coincidence that the town I happened to run to was related in this manner", yet from another perspective, events occurred that way, and how I deal with it is up to fate. But for now, if this and that are connected... All I can do is remember what I learned back then, and maybe come to an answer which might help resolve my problems, at least slightly. What color suits were those guys wearing?
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Black suits.
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 2:46 PM
...The black suits are with Naomi, that's for sure. None of the other groups I remember from back then have been around here once, so this is definitely a personal mission on Naomi's part, for whatever motivations she might have. Thomas speculated they were with the government, but there's no way that's true, unless the mafia and the government are connected. That's not impossible, but irrelevant. Instead, It's as I thought earlier. So this is no doubt a self-serving mission, as I would expect from her. Objectively, there is no reason for anyone else to be looking for me. Maybe the Sentasaurus? He might've written a tweet at some point, sure, but I doubt he would be strictly motivated anymore. He's hard to understand sure, but it's just less likely after all this time. But otherwise, Gordon's group has no reason to be looking for me, and any rival mafia groups of Naomi's and such would rather see me be permanently dead rather than anything else. Speaking of which, that mystery which I never bothered to figure out... how I wasn't determined to be dead. I don't have any sort of tracking device on me, probably, but I guess my body wasn't recovered from the car crash? That could be it. And this is the closest place to that crash. Exactly. There was no deeper meaning to any of that. But someone told them about the crash, and then someone went to check, and that could've been anyone. Maybe Gordon reported my death, but someone - probably Naomi - went and doubted it. Or someone else in that group, but that's largely irrelevant. It's not like the proof of my death existed to begin with. Turns out being presumed dead is harder than it looks, and providing that proof would no doubt require much more effort on my part than the result which reality is showing. No amount of Ehn insanity would solve that either.
2:46 PM
...It's annoying. I come to all these conclusions, but the answer is just the simplest thing, and nothing tied to the people here. Are the police problems related to Autumn and Thomas just entirely unrelated to my problems? I just don't have it in me to admit to such a thing, that all of this work might amount to nothing... There's always these grand conspiracies, that's much more interesting, that has to be right. Surely they knew something, but it's not like I can figure out who said what... Well, actually, maybe I can now, if I were to tail one of the black suits. But do I risk it? Even if somehow I'm unheard, even existing in the wrong place could cause problems. I'll wait for now, but I'll definitely consider going elsewhere. After that long chain of reasoning, Sam opts to sit down for a little while to see if anyone comes in the general area of the forest soon.
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Thomas enters the forest.
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 2:57 PM
Thomas is here, probably. What now, do I show myself? If Ashley was right that Ehn can "control" others, then it could be that she has bad intentions with all of this and is refusing to show herself the way she did in the past. Plus, even if this is Thomas, I'm sure there will be a lot of questions if I have this jacket. I could put it away in my backpack for now, I suppose, but that would be bad if one of the black suits comes here and I'm caught off guard. Them seeing me in the first place would confirm I'm here. ...Then again, apparently they're not doubting that fact to begin with. ...If Ehn is behind this, then I'm sure she knows I'm here anyway. That detail is very important. He waits for a minute or so to see what Thomas does next, if anything.
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He looks around. "Sam!? Are you around here?"
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 3:07 PM
...I'm worrying too much about this, it doesn't matter, if the black suits know I'm around, they know anyway... And in regards to my earlier problem with Thomas, I can just say I stole it... Sam goes behind a tree and unzips the jacket but doesn't put it away, then waves at Thomas. "...It's a little unsafe for me to show myself now. But yes, what's going on?" (edited)
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"Okay, good, you saw them."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 3:16 PM
"Yeah. I'm as on alert as I can be right now. ...How are things on your end?"
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"…Not great."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 3:27 PM
"Well, considering last night, I imagine so, but... What happened?"
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"I tried talking to Ashley. …Being more open. I don’t think it helped."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 3:36 PM
...She straight up doubted what she saw herself after Autumn did what she usually does, so maybe you're right, but... She wasn't so far gone as to not realize what was happening around her in that moment. And she knows about Ehn. ...It's as I said earlier: if anyone can put the pieces of this mess together, it's her. "You think so? I talked to her a little bit. While you're probably right that there are some... roadblocks, I think she's at least thinking about everything. Whatever you said was probably worth it."
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"That’s… More optimistic than I expected from you."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 3:53 PM
"I mean... I'm trying to solve what I can. I can't say I have too much hope for my own situation, as much as I'm trying still, but I'm also trying to help with things here. ...Maybe I'm trusting you too much. But if I can't do anything here, then what am I staying around for? If there are interesting events, then what else can I do?"
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"…Do you really plan to sleep out here? In the forest?"
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 4:00 PM
"...Well, it's the best option available to me. But it's not like staying at Autumn's house was ever part of my plan to begin with. I'll go back if it's safer, really. Depending on what comes next. And the people I trust know to find me here anyway."
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"You trust them?"
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 4:04 PM
"Huh? I meant that you know I'm here. If the black suits know I'm here, then of course I'm not sticking around."
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"You said people. Plural."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 4:10 PM
...So much for that possible excuse, but I don't know what I would've said anyway. "Oh. Well... for now. I trust Ashley not to blow my cover, at least. Autumn... As long as it's in her interest, and for now that seems to be the case somehow, and I can't expect much more. And the two are sort of connected. ...In regards to your situation, I'm less sure they'll do what's best, but I'm hoping there, as I said."
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"…" He sighs. "Why do you think they like you?"
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 4:21 PM
"...I don't know." He sighs as well. "I asked that question, you know. Apparently, Autumn is under the impression that she's helping, but I don't know what she would think if she thought I was a 'bad person', whether that's the case or not. Maybe she just sees my situation as a challenge that's easy to help with. But I figure the real reason is because she cares about Ashley, but it's impossible to know exactly why Ashley cares especially when Autumn is around. I guess I helped her? It's unclear, still. The two have answers locked behind each other." "That's the strangest part, isn't it? Ashley was friends with Aura before, but Autumn disliked her. Yet somehow this friendship isn't an issue at all. I don't get why Aura was singled out. I chalked it up to school tropes at first, but I guess it's not so simple. ...What do you think about her?" Despite my own thoughts on Aura, this has been one of the strangest points... And solving the occurrences here is important, as I said.
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"…I don’t think you’re on the right track at all. I… Don’t really think they like you. They like what you represent. You’re new. You’re like… An escape. From this town. As much as they want to pretend they’re happy here, that this is what they want… I think they’re begging for you to take them away. To fix them, somehow."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 4:41 PM
"...That's interesting, but I have trouble believing that. Ashley, maybe, but... From what I can see, Autumn is totally fine doing 'good' things here, and I doubt she wants anyone to 'fix' whatever she's up to. I don't even think she believes she has any problems with whatever she's up to currently. Or I'm just biased because I wanted to be here instead of the other way around. That town I came from is the last thing I want to represent." "It's ironic. I suggested to you in the past to escape from this town, right? What keeps you here? What keeps anyone here? ...Maybe I'm just the same. Perhaps I like escaping too."
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"I think I’m done with escaping."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 5:03 PM
"Then what's your plan? It's... a valid perspective. I think it works for a lot of people. It just didn't work for me, which is why I suggested what I did."
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"…I don’t know. I just… Need to make things settle down. Get Aurora old enough to be free from my parents… And then, I guess… That’s all I’ve really got left." (edited)
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 5:20 PM
"Get her old enough? The idea is good, but... I don't know how much waiting will solve things."
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"I don't have anything else."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 5:42 PM
"Maybe, but... Well, I guess if you're not going to run off, then that's the best that can be done while staying. But the way things are going now, it appears more likely to me that waiting will just cause things to blow up instead of settling down. I also wish everything going on here would be slower paced. Perhaps I'm just a pessimist as it comes to matters like that."
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"Perhaps."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 5:54 PM
"I guess we'll see. Or, you'll see. Depends on if I get my situation to settle down."
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"I guess we will. Though there are certainly some outcomes I’d prefer over others."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 6:42 PM
"I would say the same. ...Well, good luck. In either case, I sure hope I'm stuck here in this crazy town with you."
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"I can’t say I feel the same. But… You’re more than welcome to trade."
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 7:00 PM
"...Time will tell, I suppose."
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"…" Thomas. Autumn walked into the forest. ((Sorry we have to pause here because you’re too far ahead. I’ll let you know if we can resume later))
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((Idk when you can go next yet sorry))
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Sam Kidink 6/3/2023 9:44 PM
((that's fine))
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((Still can’t give you a session sorry))
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((don't apologize. this implies that I particularly want sessions I'm fine waiting))
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((Could you hypothetically have a session on Saturday?))
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((like tomorrow? I guess yeah))
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((Yeah))
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((Sorry cicada isn’t quite at the point yet but definitely will be soon. Just give me a bit))
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((it's fine. I was going to ask you if I could delay a little anyway))
2:04 PM
((fully unironic. I need to take a nap or something bye))
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((Oh okay))
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((I'll be there in an hour or so I guess))
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Autumn was clearly in a horrible mood. She clutched her head. "There you are. …And with him, too?" Thomas stands in between the 2. "Leave him alone."
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Sam gets up and walks to somewhere that's not directly behind Thomas and faces both of them. "He showed up here, not much I can say. ...Did I miss something?"
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"Oh, nothing. Just those random lawyers looking for you. Where were you planning to stay tonight?" Autumn. "How did you know he’d be here?" Thomas. Autumn ignores him.
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"I'm probably just going to stay here." To Autumn. "I'd rather not go anywhere needlessly. Unless you think it's safer to go back to your house." "...The same way you know I'm here, probably." He responds to Thomas afterwards.
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"Oh, no… It’s definitely too dangerous at my house now. But I figured out another possibility." Autumn. "What? Are you going to turn him in yourself?" Thomas. "No, I’m not interested in carrying out your paranoid delusions because I have my own interests. I’m sorry your life is so painful, but mine is doing quite well… So I guess it must be your fault, huh?" Autumn put on the most aggressively 'not mad' face imaginable. "I’m just being careful. You’re the one who rushed to hurt me. It seems like you’re doing pretty bad too." Thomas. Autumn turned back to Sam without answering.
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"...Yes, there's clearly a lot happening outside of whatever I'm up to. I'm ultimately much more keen on resolving the matters here than whatever happens to me, but..." He addresses this to neither of the two and sort of just says it. "Well, anyway. What would that be? I'm not sure what's better than just staying here." He asks Autumn.
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"The church." Autumn. "That’d work, I guess. It’s not the worst idea." Thomas. "Yes, that’s because it’s not yours." Autumn.
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"...I suppose that could work." He ignores the exchange. Being in a larger building could make sense, and barging into a church is certainly not the best thing ever. I still have to get there, but I've already established the problems with being here right now. "Do you suppose the church guy- well, Father Morgan- is around there? He probably still thinks I'm not even in this town currently."
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"Oh, I talked to him. Follow me, I know a good way to make it there without you being seen." Autumn. (edited)
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"..." Am I just being led away for a different reason? Thomas did suggest something similar earlier. ...I'm vaguely thinking about Ashley's situation. I'd prefer to talk here a little longer. On the other hand, it's clear that no conversation of interest will occur with these two in the same place. "...Fine then. I doubt we can accomplish much else in this conversation. Well, I suppose it's clear where I'll be." He sort of nods in Thomas' direction, then follows. (edited)
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Autumn leads the way to the church. Thomas also follows.
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...Autumn hasn't said anything. I don't mind this, though. The less problems, the better. I'm hoping to not be stuck in the middle of any conflicts. Reminds me of those arguments people would have in school all the time. I suppose I have gone to the school recently, so that's been on my mind. Either way, even if it isn't necessarily bad here, I doubt there's much I can figure out about anything going on elsewhere by asking both Autumn and Thomas at the same time. Sam simply continues forward in silence.
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Autumn confidently walks directly into the church and approaches Father Morgan. "Good afternoon! We need your help to hide Sam here from now on." "Hm... I suppose I did say yes to that, didn't I? Alright." Father Morgan motions to a door at the back. "Follow me, Mr. Kidink." (edited)
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"...Thanks." He says this to Father Morgan and follows.
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Thomas hugs Sam suddenly. "...Good luck. I have to go back home, now." Autumn cringes slightly at this sight.
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"Uh..." Sam has many different questions at this point. Shouldn't you have better things to do? Other things to worry about? And this isn't very interesting. What's the best course of action here? "...Okay." He is ultimately unable to think of a good response to add on afterwards, and sort of just leaves to follow Father Morgan.
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Thomas leaves. "...What a weirdo, right?" Autumn follows Sam.
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"...Not an interesting reaction, at least." A somewhat more coherent response this time. Well, you should know how Ashley is... Considering that should be enough to convince me to avoid thinking about it further, I think.
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"If I ever hug you, it’ll be much more earned." Autumn. Father Morgan arrives at a small room with a bed. "Here. You can hide yourself in this room." (edited)
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"...You should stick to Ashley, then." To Autumn. "Okay, thanks." To Father Morgan.
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"…What’s that supposed to mean?" Autumn. "Oh, and don’t go sharing the bed. Not only is it against our rules, it couldn’t support the weight. You’ll have to go, Ms Peterson." Father Morgan.
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"...Well, if you want to help her, you should see it through, I guess."
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"I did help her. She’s listening to me now."
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"Good to know."
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"So…?"
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"That's good, I guess? You've hugged her before, right? That's also good."
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"Enough about Ashley. I’m trying to ask about you." Autumn. Father Morgan mutters something annoyedly about teenagers, and leaves.
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"What are you asking about me?"
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"Well, how are you? Why did you vanish? Why are you wearing Ashley’s sweater?"
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"I'm okay, but trying to figure everything out for now. Thanks for asking. I vanished because I left as soon as I figured out a way to escape. I'm wearing the sweater because Ashley gave it to me for some reason. I don't actually know what she was thinking when she gave me this, but I guess I'll keep it until she shows up again." Earlier, there was no convincing Autumn that any of the Ehn business was real, and same with Thomas. It's like you have to see her to believe in the existence of it. Which is quite annoying for communicating anything. I wouldn't mind if more people knew the truth because that would be more interesting, but none of my explanations have proven helpful as of yet.
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"Give it to me."
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"Huh? Why?"
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"Because it’s not yours and it doesn’t fit you. Do you really need a reason? Give it to me."
8:13 PM
"…Hm?" She checks her phone for a moment.
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"Well, it's not yours either, right? I figure continuing to wearing it is the safest and easiest option. I tend to be the type of person to need reasons for most things as well." When I think about it now, perhaps I could get out of here now if I wanted to, but after coming all this way? Is that really helpful? Plus, the point of me being here is to be safer anyway... I don't know. In Autumn's hands, this is completely useless since she has no idea what it's for, so it's more helpful for me to keep it. Unless I can somehow convince her of the truth.
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"Ashley wants you to show me something about that jacket, apparently." Autumn. "I wouldn’t do that, if I were you." Ehn appeared.
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"Ah. There are you are." I knew she'd show up eventually. Of course when the objects are actually having real consequences. "No wonder, Autumn. Remember what we talked about earlier? It's all connected back to Ehn. That's probably the reason Ashley asked. It's related, anyway." "...Well? Why? Maybe I should give it to her now." Directed at Ehn.
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"That video game?" Autumn. "Hey, I’ve done nothing but help you! Every time you ignore me, things get worse for you and yet you keep blaming me anyway! Just trust me this time and don’t let Autumn know about the objects! What do you want in exchange? I can be generous, even if you’re the worst!" Ehn.
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"Yes." At Autumn. It's easier to just say things this way. "Help me? Me being in this situation in the first place is because you roped me into Avengard's underworld nonsense! I was right to try and escape from everything, even if it seems now that things are too connected to each other for me to back out. All I ever wanted was to live normally. I'd ask for that, but I'm not even sure if that's possible anymore. But fine. I'd rather talk elsewhere." "Ask Ashley what she meant!" He adds on an extra statement for Autumn. "I'm going to exit the room for a little bit... To ask Father Morgan about this church's layout so I know what to do later, and maybe help out since he's already helping me. I'll be back soon." I doubt her asking Ashley will help her understand anything considering what's happened so far. I really don't need either Autumn or Ehn on my case much more at the moment. He then does what he said by exiting the room then zipping the jacket up unless forcibly stopped. If not, he proceeds back the way he came to the forest, not really thinking of any better options. (edited)
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Autumn grabs his arm and stops him from leaving. "Stop passing the responsibility onto each other like I’m some helpless annoying child. Tell me what’s going on." "You got stuck in that because of Bob and your mother! I pulled you guys out! You owe me, Sam! You want a normal boring life? Really? Don’t lie to me! You’d hate to spend every day with a mother that doesn’t love you! You’d hate to spend every day with a father that just follows her orders! You’d hate to stay in a school where the only person who talks to you has to pretend you’re worthless! Your life is miserable! Worthless! Until I visited you, your existence was defined by nothing but endless apathy! Live normally????? You constantly complain that nothing is interesting! You want to go back to a worse life? Live normally!? I saved you from your terrible life! I made you into a protagonist, a hero! I gave you magic powers that could crush any challenge that came in your way! You could’ve lived the interesting life you so clearly want, out of the range of your horrible normal life! But nooooo- You just have to complain about EVERYTHING that happens! It doesn’t matter if it’s interesting or boring. It doesn’t matter if it’s safe or dangerous. The only thing you can ever do is complain! Over and over and over again about anything and everything! Because being happy and seizing life for yourself is something you just can’t imagine! It’s too hard! Everything just sucks, no matter what. Well guess what, Sam? That’s on you! It’s always on you! Every single miserable moment in your life is your fault! Because all you can ever do is complain! I gave you the chance to create any world you could want, and you wasted it just to sit in the corner and throw yourself a pity party. You’re the protagonist! The grand decider! Not some spectator! Live normally? What complete nonsense! The only life you’d ever be satisfied by is death!" Ehn.
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Sam gives a sigh before going into his side and just ignores Autumn's remark, partially wondering if she'll figure it out this time and also just not caring enough at the moment. "You don't get it! None of those things are normal! Of course I hate those things. I don't want to have to deal with the Sentasaurus- Bob- or my parents, sure. But I also don't want to have to deal with some mafia nonsense that doesn't matter to me, and I don't want to think about who to deal with or evade and every turn while getting kidnapped or whatever! I don't think any of those are 'normal'! Your 'solution' isn't any better than theirs!" "...Have you seen the random people going about their everyday lives in Avengard? I used to walk around, observing how they go about their lives. That's what's really interesting, learning what random activities they're up to and coming to an understanding! It was the same here, at least for a day or two! I like being here in this secluded town just because Ashley, Thomas, Autumn, everyone else is going through their own things that are interesting to watch, and maybe I can help guide them towards a good resolution because I'm an actual person and not some tool in your artificial narrative! But you screwed everything up in Avengard, and now you're screwing everything up here too! Back there, I liked talking to Mr. Kerloe or whoever, but you clearly forced him out of his situation too. And you say Bob got me stuck in my situation, but you still gave him the means to cause more damage and more problems for me and everyone else! Tell me what that was useful for! Tell me why either of those two should've been protagonists either!"
9:26 PM
"And now that you're here, you've given Ashley this jacket for who knows what reason. Autumn wouldn't be asking any questions if you just never showed up here, and she'd be perfectly fine helping me out without nonsense magic that defies reality. Giving me a magic fish to punch through everything solves nothing! If you want people to be 'protagonists' so bad, just make Ashley the one in control of your 'story'! I'd be fine being a spectator if it didn't mean getting into trouble every other hour! I would've been so close, but I guess not. Maybe you should consider that I'd be satisfied by death now only because of all this!"
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"Have you lost your mind? Stop ignoring me!" Autumn slapped him. Ehn smiles smugly and relaxes. "…So that’s it. That’s why you’re here. I finally understand… Why she chose you for that power."
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"Good. If it isn't you, then make whoever you answer to rethink their decision." He finally turns to Autumn and shrugs. "I just explained everything, even if it wasn't obvious. I do enjoy figuring things out from what people say, personally, but should I summarize for you?"
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"Are you making fun of me?" Autumn. (edited)
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"No. It was an honest question. But fine. ...The connection is simply that Ashley probably wants to get the jacket back to try and escape the game. That's probably what she wanted to address."
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"She doesn’t want it back, she wants you to show it to me." Autumn. Ehn jumps up on Autumn’s shoulders, but Autumn doesn’t notice. "We met… To prove you wrong, definitively. A disease of bad ideology that needs to be corrected."
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Oh! This is the phenomenon Ashley mentioned. I'm glad I got that piece of information earlier, or else I might've been a little confused. I just have to calm down and think, stand my ground, that will make things work... It's also very likely Ehn knows I know this, but whatever. "Sure, Ehn. You know full well that giving people things they don't want won't prove anything. Maybe we'll talk when someone like Ashley is put to the test. Anyway, now that Autumn won't be asking questions for now, what should be done with the jacket?"
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"…You’ll see. For now, I have a question for you." Ehn. "Are you… Talking to your video game?" Autumn. (edited)
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"Well, in a way, yes. I told you, right? I've been trying to escape."
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"Do you think they make sure this ceiling is up to code often?" Ehn. A piece of rubble falls from the ceiling, striking Sam in the head. He’s knocked unconscious. ((End chapter))
Guild icon
Advehnt Guard
Avengard / ouroboros-stanley
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Ouroboros woke up in the cabin bed the next morning.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:18 PM
He checks his phone.
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Still no service.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:21 PM
... He begins to laugh. "Oh... oh, you sly dog. You got me. I'll give it up." As he makes his way to the cabin's kitchen, his laughter doesn't let up.
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"…What’s so funny?" Maria asks half-asleep.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:23 PM
"It's nothing. I mean, heh..." Pinching a corner of the phone, he dangles it in Maria's general direction. "No reception up here, still."
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"…Is that rare?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:28 PM
"In a sense. You have to be pretty damn isolated to get absolutely nothing." He puts it back in his pocket, and looks around the kitchen to see what proper meals he has the resources to scrap together. "Even at the uncles' farm, I got a signal. It was spotty, but still good enough to do what you needed, you know?"
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"Maybe if you walk around outside you’ll get more?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:55 PM
"Hm... yeah, good idea. I'll go do that." Assuming this cabin has a working stove, he turns that on, then walks around outside with his phone held out.
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The electric stove is not working because Ouroboros threw out the generator last week. Consequences and such. "Was it actually a good idea…?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 4:59 PM
Did he find a signal?
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((Roll))
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 5:01 PM
((17))
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Ouroboros is able to get a signal
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 5:05 PM
"Yeah, it worked. Did you bring your phone? You might want to try it yourself." He checks the news let's fucking go
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The Fungus has been arrested.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/5/2024 5:12 PM
Well, okay. He wordlessly glances up from his screen to see what Maria's doing.
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She’s just sitting there.
Harriet Kadin started a thread. 1/6/2024 6:40 PM
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/9/2024 7:58 PM
“…So?”
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"I don’t want to check."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:07 PM
“Really? Nothing at all?”
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"…"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:18 PM
... Man. "Nothing wrong with that, I suppose. I just... figured you'd be bored or something." He pours himself a bowl of dry Cookie Crisp and sits on the couch.
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She lays back on the bed silently.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:23 PM
Ouroboros eats his breakfast in silence, then.
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"…Why?" She eventually asks.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:27 PM
He blinks. "Why what?"
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"Why?" She seems to shrug generally without getting off the bed.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:29 PM
"...Why you'd be bored? Why any of this is happening? Why... asked as a cry to God, because you need attention?"
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"…Sorry."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 3:34 PM
He shrugs, finishing the last of his cereal. "Any one of those would've been interesting questions, Maria. It's just that I'm not sure which one you're asking. You wouldn't have said 'why' for no reason."
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"..." (edited)
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 4:19 PM
"...I promise. I want to hear whatever it is you're thinking."
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"I'm not thinking of anything."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 4:23 PM
"Yes you are."
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"What?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 4:24 PM
"...You have something going on inside your head, Maria. I know that for a fact. You may very well be the smartest person in this family."
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"I don't believe you."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 4:25 PM
"What, do I need to prove it?"
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"You're lying."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/11/2024 4:34 PM
"I understand why you'd think that. Really, I do." He gets up, and puts his bowl in the sink. "I... I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been the most active parent." He pauses, gripping into the countertop. "No, scratch that. I haven't parented you actively enough. I know it's barely been a week since I've, you know... started encouraging you to be your best self. And I know I can only do so much. The damage is already there. But... even through all of that, I can still recognize a strong, resilient, vibrant soul when it's been locked away. I wouldn't have come back into your life for no reason. I don't do anything without a reason."
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"Then what is the reason?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 2:28 PM
"That thing about the mexican food. Do you remember that?"
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"No?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 2:34 PM
"I said that all Italian food is exactly the same, and you said 'yeah. Mexican food, too.' I thought that was really interesting."
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"I heard a lot of people say that..." Maria.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:09 PM
"I'm not exaggerating when I say that observation changed my life." He falls back down onto the couch. "I mean, I know I immediately disagreed with it, but Maria... you know why I asked you that in the first place? Because your mother ignored it. She said something like... I shouldn't be thinking about that in the first place. I shouldn't be thinking in the first place. And obviously, since that's a shitty thing to hear, I relayed it to you, half-hoping I'd get a more interesting reply. And you know what? I did."
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"…" She’s listening.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:26 PM
"You gave it actual thought, Maria. You heard me say some bullshit I thought of in bed the night before, and you calmly said 'You know what? True. But I can do you one better.' I mean, I only noticed the Italians' grift after three years of experience in the restaurant industry! And you've been raised on nothing but your mother's cooking! Frankly, Maria, that reply was a stroke of genius."
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"…But I just heard it from someone else."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:28 PM
"Who, then?"
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"The internet."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:35 PM
"The internet? The internet's a rotten hive of socialist propagandists who will stop at nothing to drag you down to their level. The fact that you've come out of it holding an opinion even slightly correct tells me you're something special, Maria." He smiles.
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"…I never really understood what socialism means."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:39 PM
"...Hm. Do you want to talk about it?"
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"…Do I?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:40 PM
He blinks, looking away. "Give it your best shot. Tell me what you think socialism is. There is no wrong answer." (edited)
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"It’s like… When you get free things? From the government?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:42 PM
"...And when they do that a whooole lot, it becomes communism?"
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"Maybe?"
3:44 PM
"I think they explained that a bit more in history class."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:44 PM
"Did they?"
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"Yeah. Stalin, right? He killed a lot of people with communism."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 3:59 PM
"Stalin killed a lot of people because he was a capitalist deluded into thinking he could be a champion of worker's rights. Communism — and socialism, for that matter — is a term that doesn't really mean a lot, when you get down to it. The common thread they all their ideologues claim to share is that they think the masses should have the ability to own things, rather than individuals, regardless of how true that ends up being in practice."
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"Okay."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 4:06 PM
"In that sense, it's not just the government giving out free things. It's the government giving out free things and not telling the people what to do with them. Freedom to carve whatever path they want, or whatever. What do you think of this?"
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"Why would they have that freedom?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 4:16 PM
"Because socialism doesn't have the same barrier of entry that capitalism does. The power is in the hands of the people, so everyone can choose to do whatever they please, and because everyone's doing the things they want to do, society as a whole is productive and happy. That's the intention, anyway."
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"But it’s impossible, right?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 4:18 PM
He nods, and gestures for her to continue talking.
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"So…" She shrugs.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 4:21 PM
"...Because most people don't actually know what the fuck it is they want."
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"Yeah."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/13/2024 4:26 PM
"Right." He nods. "Yeah- right. A lot of people think they're smart enough to know what they want. It isn't even disagreeable, most of the time. Like, 'I want to be happy' — mhm, welcome to the club. But Maria, I'm sure you've been around people long enough to notice that most people are completely stupid."
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"Yeah."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/19/2024 3:32 AM
"And... stupid people have a place in society too, of course. Their needs and wants aren't any less valid because they can't wrap their head around algebra. But fundamentally, as long as they exist, then socialism can't work. You and I, Maria — we're people who were put on this Earth to keep the cogs shifting."
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"…We are?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 2:08 PM
"Yeah, of course. What do think I've been doing these past so-and-so years?"
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"I don't know."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 2:09 PM
"Well, now you do. You've learned. And this knowledge, Maria, will push you one step closer to your full potential."
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"…"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 4:54 PM
"..." Can he tell anything from her expression? (edited)
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She seems to be thinking.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 4:55 PM
Good. He lets her think in silence. (edited)
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"…Is he going to be okay?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 4:56 PM
"You mean your brother?"
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She nods.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 4:59 PM
"...He's fine. They have him on painkillers." He checks to see if he's texted back recently regarding that, actually. (edited)
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whats going on dad
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:03 PM
“Yeah, he just texted me back.” He replies to The Ijiraq: “me and your sister are hiding” (edited)
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where
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:04 PM
“not important. we’re safe”
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i wont tell mom
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:06 PM
“that doesnt matter. im not leaving a record”
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i thought you liked talking on the phone
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:07 PM
“???”
5:08 PM
“leaving a record of your past conversations is good”
5:08 PM
“but were actively being hunted”
5:08 PM
“do u have any idea what would happen if ur phone got stolen by the wrong person”
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theyd get stuck on the password?
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:15 PM
Ouroboros does not have any faith in what The Ijiraq chose as his password. “the bottom line is that u don’t need to know”
5:16 PM
“ur in the hospital.. u can’t come visit anyway”
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are you sure
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:18 PM
“you just got shot”
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what if i didnt
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:20 PM
“then maybe u’d be here with us. but as it stands, leaving your room is suicide”
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are you sure
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:21 PM
… “can i ask u a question”
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are you mad at me
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:22 PM
“has ur mother ever taken u to get diagnosed with some sort of learning disability”
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:23 PM
“ok”
5:23 PM
He turns off his phone. “Have you eaten yet, Maria?”
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"No."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:25 PM
“Kitchen’s all yours. We can’t exactly cook right now, but there’s options.”
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"What are the options?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:36 PM
“I grabbed whatever I could from the cupboards. Cereal, chips, crackers, uh… have a look.”
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"Where?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:37 PM
He points to the boxes they carried up, which are presumably still in view.
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She goes to them and opens them.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:38 PM
He doesn’t do anything.
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She makes herself food.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/20/2024 5:41 PM
She’s doing it. Oh my fucking God, she’s doing it.
🇱 1
🇫 1
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‼️ 1
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She sits down and eats food.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 3:38 PM
He considers it for a moment, and concludes that Maria does, in fact, know how to eat food, and he doesn't have to actively monitor her to make sure she's doing it correctly. His attention turns back to his phone, and he checks the news. ... Fuck, why did he have to consider it? Did he really break her that badly?
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Most of the news is just talking about the fungus.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 3:40 PM
He reads up on that, he supposes. No shortage of time right now.
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Grobber Brentwood is the fungus. He was a trustfund kid leading an army of hobos.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 3:47 PM
"Oh, hah. Look at that." He turns his phone screen towards Maria, trying to hold it close enough for her to read it. "We were just talking about something like this. Funny coincidence."
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"…?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 3:53 PM
"...Y'know. With Stalin." He leans forward a bit, assuming she's in a different seat.
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"…Oh, okay."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 3:56 PM
He leans back again, letting her finish eating.
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She finishes eating.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:20 PM
"..."
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She sits there.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:26 PM
"Well, we're gonna be here for a while. Try and find some way to entertain yourself before you lose your mind." Ouroboros leaves to search the cabin. For... entertainment. Recreational equipment. Anything interesting at all.
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((Roll))
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:29 PM
((19))
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Ouroboros finds an old board game.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:41 PM
Does he know what it's called?
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Yes, he does. It’s written on the box.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:52 PM
He decides that playing Monopoly with his daughter would be a bad idea, and looks around a little more.
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It’s not monopoly.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:53 PM
...Then he uses his eyes. To read what it is.
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That’s true, he does use those for that.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:54 PM
... He takes the box and goes back to the main room. "Hey, Maria."
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She turns to look at him. "Yes?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 4:58 PM
"You want to play a game?" He puts the box on the table. Or floor. Whatever surface is in the middle of the room.
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"How do we play?" Ouroboros does not know this.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:06 PM
"No clue. Check the box. See if there's an instruction manual."
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She looks inside. The game has 2 6 sided die, a large game board divided into many sections, 4 player figurines, and a bunch of different pieces with icons like wooden logs, metal bars, etc. There is no instruction manual.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:13 PM
"...I guess there isn't."
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"Then how do we play?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:22 PM
"..." Ouroboros looks up how to play on his phone.
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There are no instructions online.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:31 PM
"Not seeing anything on the internet." He slides his phone back in his pocket. "Use your intuition, I guess."
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"Can you go first?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:32 PM
"...Without knowing the rules?"
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"Intuition. Isn’t what you said?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:36 PM
"I meant, like... trying to figure out everything in advance, and using whatever ruleset seems to make sense with what we have. But you know what? Sure. Fuck it. We're being hunted down as we speak. Better get used to thinking on the fly." Ouroboros, setting up the game, gives himself and Maria three logs each, then places his character token on "his side" of the board. "Which piece do you want to play as?"
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Maria picks up a cute dog figurine.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:43 PM
"Alright." Ouroboros distributes all the resource tokens face-up where he think makes sense, going off the visual design of the board. Are there any other pieces in the box?
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That’s all there is.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:54 PM
He rolls the dice.
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((Roll))
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 5:55 PM
1 and 4. He moves... exactly five spaces, he decides, and collects all the resources in the spot he moved to. "Alright, your turn."
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Maria rolls the dice.
5:58 PM
She moves 10 spaces and collects the resources.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 6:00 PM
Hm. Ouroboros balances one of the wood tokens on its side, blocking one of the paths in the section Maria's in. "This is a wall. You're not allowed to move through it." He rolls the dice again.
6:01 PM
...4 and 1 again. Huh. He moves and doesn't collect anything.
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Maria places a wood token to block the path Ouroboros just came from, and then returns 4 spaces back the way she came, collecting the contents of this new space.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 6:11 PM
"I see." He rolls again.
6:13 PM
He moves ten spaces. After traveling the full distance, he puts three stone tokens around his piece, and declares "This is a house". It is not clear what he means by this. (edited)
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She moves 6 spaces and places 3 stone tokens around her piece. She then places 2 metal tokens over a river separating 2 spaces.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 6:57 PM
"...Maria, I have a question."
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"Yes?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 6:57 PM
"What's your win condition here?"
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"I think... I should try to build the most beautiful houses I can."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 7:04 PM
"Then you're missing something." He glances, for only half a second, at one of the few flower tokens on the board, then rolls.
7:06 PM
Lmao snake eyes. Get it He moves in the direction of the flower. It's not nearly good enough of a roll to make it there, but he is closer.
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"...What am I missing...?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 8:38 PM
He smiles smugly. "Just roll again. Take your turn." (edited)
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She moves 10 spaces, over what is implicitly her bridge.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 8:54 PM
Very astute. Metal, too? That's some damn good structural integrity. She does not want to fuck this up. He rolls again, and moves, collecting more materials. He's exactly one space away from the flower.
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She moves 10 more spaces across the board, still not interested in the flower.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 9:01 PM
“Oh, Maria.” He rolls again. He ignores the result of the it, moving straight to the flower and collecting it. “What’s a beautiful house without something to beautify it? Just a fuckin’ house.”
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"So I should've added... A flower? Why?" Maria.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 9:22 PM
"Because flowers are beautiful. You can't complete your win condition without making the houses beautiful, right? Structures built solely of stone and wood aren't very pretty of their own merit."
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"…Why not?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 9:26 PM
"Mm." Quickly, he pulls out his phone, searches images for "communist condominiums", and shows the results to Maria.
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"Would flowers really fix those?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:03 PM
"There's nuance to it. You also can't build entire houses out of three rocks in real life."
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"But… What makes flowers pretty? Is it just… Because they’re colourful? Because they’re supposed to be alive? What makes them so special for that? I think… rocks look a lot prettier than flowers…"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:10 PM
The clever fucker. He finds himself smiling. "In that case," he responds, "I'll make my win condition here to prove that flowered homes are prettier than flowerless ones. Your move again."
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Maria places wood tokens on each side of Ouroboros’s current space.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:12 PM
"Not gonna roll?"
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She moves 5 spaces towards her home.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:15 PM
"Alright." He uses a metal token to break down the walls, adding them to his stash, then rolls. Nine spaces is juuust far enough to reach the next flower.
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Maria moves 9 spaces back towards her home.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:27 PM
He puts a knuckle to his chin to make it seem like he's thinking. Very good roll. The next flower's on the other side of the board, but that puts him well on his way there. He dumps a rock token into the adjacent river, and follows the stream so that it crashes through the bridge.
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"…But metal is stronger than rocks?" She stares at it.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:31 PM
"Not if the rock's a giant boulder being carried by the pressure of a river moving too fast to wade through."
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"Are you sure?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:36 PM
"If I shot a frozen pea out of a gun and hit you, it'd hurt a hell of a lot more than if I tapped you with a live bullet."
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"But the rock is weaker than the metal."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:40 PM
He knits his brow. "Okay, think of it this way. Which is heavier: a pound of stone or a pound of metal?"
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"They’re both a pound… Right?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:43 PM
"Exactly. Because everything's context-dependent. And in this context, a boulder half the width of the river is crashing into the middle of a bridge only thick enough for a person to cross."
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"But… the rock is… It’s weaker than…" She pauses, looks away, and then keeps on playing.
10:46 PM
She moves 6 spaces away from the river and just builds another stone house there.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:49 PM
Cocking his head some, he rolls and continues moving closer to the final flower. (edited)
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Maria moves 6 spaces, hopping over the river without a bridge and building another house there.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:52 PM
! "Hey. Maria." His tone is stern, Ouroboros shifting in his chair.
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She builds another house.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/21/2024 10:55 PM
He taps the table to get her attention. "What was that maneuver just now?"
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"…Hm?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 4:05 PM
"This." He trails a finger over the path she took through the river.
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"I built a house."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 4:10 PM
What? Is she trying to pull one over on him? "You built two houses, actually. After... what, flying over the river? With the wings you crafted from wood and metal?"
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"..."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 4:34 PM
"Imagine what would happen if you tried to pull that in real life, Maria. You'd be dead, because for just one moment, you stopped thinking and decided that you were better than an entire fucking river." He leans back in his chair some. "And even if you realized that going through this print of a river was impossible, were you hoping that I just wouldn't notice? Especially after you drew attention to the bridge earlier?"
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"..."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 4:38 PM
He stacks the tokens she just used to build her last two houses, then places her piece on the space it was before. "Your move. Give this one a little more consideration."
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"…" She builds a new bridge.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 5:48 PM
Sure. That works now. He waits for her to finish her turn.
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She then hops 6 spaces to where she was but doesn't bother building a house.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:00 PM
Okay, great. Seems she's sticking to one "extra action" per turn. He rolls and collects the final flower, as well as whatever other resources are on the same space.
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She moves 6 more spaces on her turn.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:09 PM
He doesn't roll. Instead, he gets to work. All the resources in his inventory are arranged to build a neat, symmetrical mansion with two "entrances". The walls are made of stone, and the placement of the wood gives the impression of support beams. The metal is placed inside, like a collection of appliances or wealth in storage. The flowers are lined up in front of the doorways. "So. What do you think?"
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"What?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:28 PM
“Looks great, in my opinion. What do you think? Yea or nay?”
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"Oh, um... Yeah?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:41 PM
He offers a handshake over the board. “Then good game.” (edited)
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"…Huh?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:42 PM
“That’s my win condition done. I win.”
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"…Oh."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 6:59 PM
The handshake is still available to take. “Good game.”
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"…" She doesn’t take it and just stares at the board.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 7:21 PM
“…” Jeez, she taking the loss that bad? “Guess I’ll pack up now.” He puts everything back in the box, and checks the time on his phone.
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"...So the flower won?" It's the afternoon.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 7:23 PM
“If you want to put it like that. The house with flowers won over the house without them.”
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"..."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 7:25 PM
“…We can play again some other time, if you want a rematch. I’d bet we still haven’t wrung everything out of this one.”
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"..." She went back to sitting on the bed.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 7:43 PM
Well, this sort of feels like shit. He's not going to apologize to her for beating her at a board game; he can't believe he'd failed her to the point where losing at something this inconsequential had her like this. For now, he'll give her space, and find something else to do. Alone. He searches the cabin again.
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Ouroboros finds a fishing rod.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 8:03 PM
"Hm." Ouroboros does not actually know much about fishing. But he takes it anyway. He doesn't have the right to be picky at the moment. He exits the cabin, and scans the area for... lakes. Or less impressive bodies of water.
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((Roll))
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 8:28 PM
((20.))
8:28 PM
((I was not hoping to find a lake. But okay.))
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Ouroboros somehow finds a lake.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 8:29 PM
Huh. Is there like, a dock? Is he far from the cabin?
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He's pretty far. There is no dock.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 9:09 PM
...He's a little far off from Maria to do this in good conscience. But... she'll be fine, he's sure. He casts his line. And waits. Because that's how you fish. ... ...... ......... Obviously, since he doesn't have any bait, lure or literally anything that would attract a fish, he never feels a tug on the line. But fishing takes time, he's heard. He can be patient. And he has his phone to keep him company. ... He checks the news, other hand manning the fishing pole. (edited)
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A criminal has just been arrested in the murder of Jackson Day.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 9:14 PM
Who the fuck is Jackson Day?
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He’s a YouTuber.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 9:17 PM
Ah. ... Nothing else that's going on is particularly interesting, he figures out only after an hour or so of scrolling. He wasn't expecting fishing to be fun, but this is a little ridiculous. Are there even any fish in this lake?
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It’s unlikely.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 9:57 PM
Welp. He reels in the line. Winding the crank feels weightless, which he wasn't expecting. The hook must be pretty deep in the lake. Is this going to take a while? Apparently so. The line, for some reason, didn't furl cleanly into the spool, and the wind ties it in inscrutable knots as he tries to get the full length back. ...It takes a while. At some point, the hook got lost in the lake. There is literally nothing at the end of his line. "Fucking... how? What?" Frustrated, he discards the rod into the lake, and begins walking home. Home as in the cabin, which he just remembered he needs to stay in indefinitely. ... It's funny. Of all his online handles, a fisherman was the one that got inseparably tied to him in the criminal underworld. What would the real Grizz think of that? He just wants to fish, for God's sake. He wouldn't want to be involved in... assassination plots and underground deals. But if he was involved, against his will, he'd still agree that he hadn't done anything wrong, right? Crime — as in crime crime, the stuff that people actually deserve to be prosecuted for — was not Ouroboros' element. He was an outsider there. It's Jeff Johnner who... Right. Good point, he thinks. He still has reception out here. He's not powerless. He tweets some bullshit about Jeff Johnner out under the Grizz handle, and a couple others who weren't so aggressively involved in the King Burger stuff. Hopefully that'll get people talking. (edited)
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Maria isn’t inside the cabin anymore.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:00 PM
... Fuck. Any signs of her being dead?
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There are a few footprints leading away from the cabin.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:02 PM
He follows them. "Maria?"
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She’s just standing on the side of the cliff Yale Tucker died on, staring at the horizon.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:05 PM
...Right. Nothing to be worried about. "I'm back. S... sorry for not telling you I was leaving. I didn't expect to be so long."
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"…It’s okay." She sits down. She looks cold.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:07 PM
"It's getting late. We should go to bed now."
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"…Why?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:08 PM
"Well, aren't you getting tired?"
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"I guess so."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:10 PM
"Then come on. You won't want to be sleepy going forward." He takes the first couple steps back to the cabin.
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"Is this pretty?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:11 PM
"The... the cliff?"
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She points to the view.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:12 PM
... "Someone was killed here, a long time ago. But if you didn't know that, yeah, I can see someone enjoying the view."
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"…Why?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:15 PM
"...It doesn't look like it's been touched by humanity. Sprawling trees, open sky, so many stars... they way people live now, sights like these are getting more and more rare. Especially with light pollution."
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"I meant… Why were they killed?"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:18 PM
"Oh." He blinks. "I'm not sure. That guy you saw a few days ago, uh... Sean Niebel. You'd have to ask him."
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"…"
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:19 PM
"..."
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"…It’s cold."
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:19 PM
"Let's go back to the cabin. Go huddle up in bed."
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"…Okay." She heads back to the cabin.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:20 PM
He walks alongside her.
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She lays down in the bed.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:24 PM
... ...With the power cut, it's awfully dark in here. He looks for something else that could create light. Preferably... nothing that could burn the cabin down, but he'll take what he can get.
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There are some battery-powered lights.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:26 PM
He turns one on to see if it works.
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It does.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:29 PM
... He checks how much battery his phone has left.
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Ouroboros Stanley 1/22/2024 10:31 PM
He puts his phone away. He'll worry about that later. For now, he'll just... ...
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((End chapter))